Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed that the Kenyan government has evacuated nearly 20 young citizens tricked into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war. He made the revelation during a burial in Kakamega County, warning families against fake overseas job offers. The statement follows the recovery of three Kenyan bodies from the war zone on February 6, 2026.
During the burial of Mama Fanny Asigo Malova in Kakamega County, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the successful evacuation of nearly 20 young Kenyans duped into joining the Russia-Ukraine conflict through fake recruitment scams. This marks the first official government response following the recovery of three Kenyan bodies from eastern Ukraine on February 6, 2026.
Mudavadi did not disclose the countries from which the 20 Kenyans were rescued, citing concerns over damaging Kenya's diplomatic ties. The deceased were identified as Ombwori Denis Bagaka, 39; Wahome Simon Gititu, 34; and Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, 28, all victims of recruitment fraud.
Intelligence reports indicate the three men worked for private security firms in Qatar when they were lured to Russia with false promises of high-paying jobs abroad in late 2025. Upon arrival, they were conscripted into a penal battalion, stationed at the Pogonovo training ground before deployment to Unit No. 11097, which comprises foreign mercenaries and prisoners.
Their first combat mission to assault Lyman led them directly into what Ukrainian intelligence described as a kill zone. Mogesa's body was discovered around January 31, carrying the passports of his two compatriots, aiding in the identification of all three victims.
Mudavadi urged families to verify overseas employment 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. “It is happening. Even our young people in the Government, their own relatives have found themselves in that corner,” Mudavadi stated.
The government is working to convince more trapped Kenyans to return home, though the exact number remains unknown. Some have been maimed by drone strikes while others have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
