Family Alarmed as Contact Lost With Kenyan Serving in Russian Army

Families in Kenya are seeking government assistance after losing contact with relatives recruited into the Russian army, including Humphrey Kimani, whose family says communication with him has recently stopped.

Relatives of Humphrey Kimani say they have been unable to reach him for several weeks and are asking authorities to help establish his whereabouts and arrange his return to Kenya. According to family members, contact had previously been irregular but has now ceased entirely, raising fears that he may have been killed or injured while serving in the conflict.

“My brother joined the Russian army, and getting him on the phone has become a challenge. His name is Humphrey Kimani,” a relative said, expressing concern about his safety.

Kimani’s case reflects wider concerns about Kenyan nationals recruited to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine. A briefing by the National Intelligence Service to Parliament earlier this year indicated that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been enlisted. 

Many were reportedly attracted by promises of high pay, including monthly salaries of up to KSh350,000 and bonuses that could exceed KSh1.2 million. Official figures suggest that at least 18 Kenyans have been confirmed dead since the war began. 

A further 28 are reported missing, while 39 have been hospitalised after sustaining injuries in combat. Dozens more are believed to remain deployed on the frontlines.

Families have also faced difficulties repatriating the bodies of those who died. 

In one case in Kisii County, relatives held a funeral without the remains of their family member and buried an empty coffin after efforts to return the body were unsuccessful. The Kenyan government says it has increased diplomatic engagement on the matter. 

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has held discussions with Russian and Ukrainian diplomats in Nairobi about the welfare of Kenyan nationals involved in the conflict and possible arrangements for their return. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi is expected to travel to Moscow later this month, where the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Russian military is likely to be raised with Russian officials.

Authorities are also investigating recruitment networks believed to have facilitated the process. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations recently arrested a suspect linked to a trafficking operation accused of promising job seekers legitimate employment abroad before directing them into military service.

Some lawmakers have criticised the government’s response. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has called for greater transparency and asked officials to clarify whether the “Kazi Majuu” initiative, a programme introduced in 2023 to support overseas employment for Kenyan youth, may have contributed to the recruitment of citizens into the conflict.

Speaking after meeting families seeking the repatriation of relatives believed to be fighting in Ukraine, Omtatah said the government should provide clear information about how Kenyans travelled to Russia and the type of work they expected to undertake.

“We know how these people have gone out, and their families want the government itself to come clean,” he said, noting that earlier announcements referred to employment opportunities in Russia without specifying the nature of the work.

The senator said he is considering a class action lawsuit on behalf of affected families, arguing that the state has a constitutional duty to protect the welfare and rights of its citizens, including those living or working abroad.

Parliament has also heard allegations that recruitment efforts involved officials from several agencies, including immigration and law enforcement, as well as individuals connected to diplomatic missions in Nairobi and Moscow. These claims are under investigation.

Legal proceedings have already begun against one suspect, Festus Omwamba, who is accused of playing a central role in recruiting Kenyans for the Russian military. Omwamba reportedly presented himself to investigators after claiming that Russian agents were pursuing him.