Kenyan Businessman Charged with Recruiting Citizens to Fight in Ukraine

Festus Arasa Omwamba, a 33-year-old Kenyan businessman, appeared in court on Thursday facing charges of trafficking citizens to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

Omwamba, who owns Global Face Human Resources, is accused of leading a network that recruited Kenyans for the Russian military. During the court session at Kahawa Law Courts, Omwamba denied the allegations and stated that he had surrendered to police in Moyale after receiving death threats from unidentified Russians. 

His defence team argued that he was not a flight risk and offered to deposit his passport, citing a previous anticipatory bail order from the High Court, which the magistrate ruled had expired. Prosecutors opposed bail, claiming that detention was necessary both for the suspect’s protection and to prevent interference with the investigation. 

They highlighted concerns that releasing Omwamba could expose victims to intimidation or discourage them from cooperating with authorities. The prosecution also noted that Omwamba’s residence was unclear, raising further concerns about his movements.

The case is part of a wider investigation into human trafficking linked to the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Authorities revealed that 22 Kenyans were rescued in Athi River in September 2025, allegedly on their way to Moscow to join the Russian military. Three other Kenyans who had already travelled to Russia reportedly returned home with injuries from the battlefield.

Omwamba’s alleged associates include Russian national Mikhail Lyapin, arrested during the Athi River raid, and Edward Gituku, who was also detained in connection with the trafficking network. Intelligence reports suggest Omwamba had previously been placed under a stop order, raising questions about how he continued to travel to Russia despite the restrictions.

If convicted, Omwamba faces up to 30 years in prison or a fine of Sh30 million under Kenya’s anti-trafficking laws.