Mudavadi Travels to Moscow as Kenya Raises Alarm Over Citizens Joining Russian Military

Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has begun a two-day official visit to Moscow for talks with Russian authorities, where he is expected to address reports that Kenyan citizens have been recruited to fight in the Russia–Ukraine War.

Mudavadi’s visit will focus on strengthening cooperation between Kenya and Russia in areas such as education, health, energy, infrastructure and labour mobility. During the discussions, he is also expected to raise concerns about Kenyans who have reportedly joined the Russian military and taken part in the war in Ukraine.

The trip follows reports that several Kenyans have died after travelling to Russia on promises of well-paid employment, only to be recruited into the conflict. Mudavadi has said he will seek assurances from Russian officials that such recruitment will stop. 

The Kenyan government has stated that it aims to protect its citizens abroad and is working to establish safe processes for repatriating those affected, while ensuring that Kenyans working overseas are treated properly. Economic cooperation is another priority of the visit.

Russia has previously supported Kenya through scholarship programmes and the supply of agricultural inputs, including fertiliser. Mudavadi has indicated that Kenya is interested in expanding trade with Russia, particularly by increasing exports of coffee, tea and flowers. 

These efforts come as instability in parts of the Middle East affects some of Kenya’s traditional export markets. Kenya also plans to discuss clearer arrangements for the welfare of its citizens studying and working in Russia.

During his visit, Mudavadi is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), an event intended to strengthen academic and cultural links between the two countries. The issue of Kenyans involved in the conflict has also affected families at home. 

In Kasarani, relatives of Peter Maina are mourning his death after he travelled to Russia and was later recruited to fight. Maina, a former officer with the General Service Unit, had travelled while on holiday after being promised a high salary. He reportedly sent money to his family to buy land before he died.

His family has appealed to the Kenyan government for assistance in confirming his death and repatriating his remains.