Families of Kenyans trafficked to Russia and allegedly forced onto the frontlines of the war in Ukraine are pressing for urgent action from President William Ruto. More than 30 affected families are demanding an urgent meeting with the President before Kenya's official delegation departs for the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on October 28-29. They want the government to secure the repatriation of surviving victims, ensure the return of deceased victims' bodies for proper burial, and demand full disclosure regarding the fate of missing citizens.
Human rights advocates and intelligence reports estimate that over 1,000 Kenyans have fallen victim to human trafficking rings operating under the guise of job recruitment. Reports indicate that more than 350 Kenyans have already lost their lives after being sent to fight. Despite local authorities raiding a suspected trafficking den on September 27, 2025, family members report that active recruitment and trafficking through domestic airports continue unabated.
Peter Kamau, Russian Victims coordinator, stated that the families are demanding the government's dedication to addressing their concerns. "Our people continue to suffer in Russia, continue to be killed in Russia, and are taken to the front line, and most of them have actually died. We have so many Kenyans who still continue to get recruited and trafficked to Russia through our airport," he said.
A returnee who survived deployment to the Ukrainian frontlines recounted the deceit and extreme danger recruits face upon arrival. David Lui stated that he was promised a signing bonus of 3 million rubles, which is approximately 4.3 million Kenyan shillings, and a monthly basic of 230. However, upon arrival, he was forced to sign a power of attorney, allowing others to claim his money.
Distressed relatives continue to grapple with agonizing uncertainty. Patrick Lotie, a father whose two sons traveled to Russia, reported that one child is being held as a prisoner of war in Ukraine while the other remains completely unaccounted for. Lotie shared that his sons were recruited with promises of employment, but their fate remains unknown.
Other families report bureaucratic hurdles even after receiving confirmation that their loved ones have died, raising frustration over persistent administrative delays and procedural demands like DNA sampling. Margaret Wairimu Ndung'u, whose brother died in Russia, expressed her frustration with the government's response. "Certificate na simu ya brother yangu ati ni Russia walipeana wanasema hatuwezi pewa hiyo death certificate kwa sababu kama hatujulikana sisi ni familia," she said.
Civil society groups point out that neighboring nations have actively repatriated their citizens, urging Kenya's administration to adopt a similar posture. Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid voiced similar concerns, noting that recruitment is still ongoing, yet other countries have repatriated their nationals back. The families are calling on President Ruto to take immediate action to address their concerns and secure the safe return of their loved ones.
Key points
- Over 1,000 Kenyans have fallen victim to human trafficking rings operating in Russia.
- More than 350 Kenyans have lost their lives after being sent to fight in Ukraine.
- Families are demanding an urgent meeting with President Ruto to address their concerns and secure repatriation.
