Sunday, September 21, 2025 - The Kenyan Government has confirmed it is actively pursuing the release of several nationals reportedly held as prisoners of war in Ukraine after being lured into joining the Russian military.
Among those detained is 36-year-old Evans Kibet, who claims
he was tricked into signing a military contract during a sports-related trip to
Saint Petersburg earlier this year.
Kibet, who traveled with three other Kenyans on a fully
funded tour organized by a sports agent, says he unknowingly signed documents
written in Russian, later revealed to be enlistment papers.
After a week of basic training, he was issued a rifle and
placed in a unit of foreign recruits.
He escaped en route to his first combat assignment
and surrendered to Ukrainian forces after wandering through forests for two
days.
“They received me warmly,” Kibet said, adding that he fears
returning to Russia could cost him his life.
He has pleaded with Ukrainian authorities not to include him
in any future prisoner exchange.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei assured
the public that the Government is working diligently to resolve the matter.
“We are keenly following information on three or four
Kenyans allegedly trafficked to Russia and currently held as POWs by Ukraine,”
he said via X, adding that Kenya’s Mission in Moscow is actively engaged.
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