Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed that the government has evacuated nearly 20 young Kenyans duped into joining the Russia-Ukraine war. He issued a stern warning against fake overseas jobs during a burial in Kakamega County. This follows the recovery of three Kenyan bodies killed in the conflict.
During the burial of Mama Fanny Asigo Malova in Kakamega County, Mudavadi stated, “I want to use this platform to confirm that the government of Kenya has rescued 20 Kenyans who have been lured into fake recruitment scams, only to end up on the battle frontlines.” This marks the first official government response following the recovery of three Kenyan bodies from near Lyman in Ukraine's Donetsk region on February 6, 2026.
The deceased were identified as Ombwori Denis Bagaka, 39, Wahome Simon Gititu, 34, and Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, 28. Intelligence reports indicate the men worked for private security firms in Qatar when lured to Russia with promises of high-paying jobs. They arrived in late 2025, underwent training at the Pogonovo ground, and were deployed to Unit No. 11097, which includes foreign mercenaries and prisoners. Their first combat mission ended fatally as they assaulted Lyman and entered a Ukrainian kill zone.
Mudavadi urged families to verify overseas job offers through the Ministry of Labour and the Diaspora Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He noted that even relatives of government officials have fallen victim to these scams, and the government is working to repatriate more trapped Kenyans, though their exact number is unknown. He did not disclose the countries from which the 20 were rescued to avoid damaging diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto and Labour CS Alfred Mutua of misleading youth to Russia with factory and driving job promises, only for them to be forced into war. Speaking at a dowry ceremony in Nyeri, Gachagua said, “We are feeling pain because Ruto lied to our children by promising them jobs.” He highlighted dangers like freezing weather, bombs, and gunfire, with some returning as corpses or not at all, forcing families into mock burials. He called for the immediate return of all affected Kenyans.
