Kenya Arrests Suspect in Case of Citizens Duped to Fight for Russia

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Kenyan police have arrested a key suspect, Festus Omwamba, for his alleged role in a human trafficking scheme that lured hundreds of Kenyans into Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

He was apprehended in the northern town of Moyale while reportedly attempting to flee the country following public protests by victims’ families.

The arrest follows a damning intelligence report presented to Kenya’s Parliament, which revealed that over 1,000 citizens have been recruited to fight for Russia. The report alleges that rogue recruitment agencies colluded with some officials to promise skilled jobs in Russia, only for recruits to be sent to the front lines.

Families of the victims have staged protests in Nairobi, demanding the repatriation of their loved ones. Current data indicates that at least 89 Kenyans remain on the battlefield, dozens are hospitalized or missing in action, and several deaths have been confirmed among those tricked into service.

Recruits who managed to escape recounted how they were promised high-paying roles as plumbers or security guards. Upon arrival in Russia, their passports were seized, and they were forced to sign military contracts in Russian, a language they did not understand before being deployed with minimal training.

In response, the Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied any involvement, claiming it does not issue visas for the purpose of fighting. However, Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has pledged a “diplomatic approach” to engage Moscow and secure the release and return of Kenyans currently trapped or imprisoned.

The Kenyan government has vowed to hold all complicit agencies and individuals accountable for the “misadventure” that has put lives at risk. Authorities are now focusing on neutralizing the remaining networks that continue to exploit high unemployment rates to target vulnerable young men.