EXPLAINER: Gov’t Clarifies Why Helping Kenyans Stranded in Russia Has Limits
The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, Russia, has urged people not to travel to Russia for work through unconfirmed routes, as this may limit their access to government support.
The embassy’s warning comes as accusations arise that it has failed to act and rescue Kenyans who are allegedly being recruited into the Russian army without their consent.
On Sunday, February 15, Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu stated that Kenyans who travel to Russia through irregular channels may encounter delays or limitations in government support, including repatriation, due to Russian legislation and administrative processes.
“Many of the affected individuals or their relatives have written to the Embassy directly or through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs reporting that they were promised employment opportunities, high salaries, and residency arrangements which, upon arrival, did not exist or differed significantly from what had been communicated,” the embassy stated.
A reminder to Kenyans taking up jobs in Russia pic.twitter.com/MbddvOpt0b
— Roseline Kathure Njogu, CBS 🇰🇪 (@roselinenjogu) February 15, 2026
“They further indicated that in some cases, passports were withheld, movement was restricted, and the individuals became subject to conditions beyond their control and access by the Embassy for consular services,” it added.
Kenyans seeking jobs in Russia should avoid using social media, messaging apps, or other unlicensed applications.
Kenyans flying to Russia can also check work prospects with the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and the Kenyan Diplomatic Mission before departing.
#KENYA: KENYA STRIKES BACK: MUDAVADI’S RUSSIA MISSION TO HALT WAR RECRUITMENT
— MwanzoTV (@MwanzoTv) February 10, 2026
Prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs Musalia Mudavadi, in an update released this week, said the government secured the safe return of the Kenyans through… pic.twitter.com/EkKmQVjX4R
Kenyans should also avoid traveling to Russia for employment on tourist visas. Kenyans who live in the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, or Kazakhstan should register with the embassy.
“The Embassy is working with authorities in both countries to address emerging fraudulent recruitment networks and urges all those seeking jobs abroad to verify before finding themselves in circumstances beyond control,” the statement said.
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The clarification comes hours after popular activist Boniface Mwangi claimed that numerous Kenyans were stranded in Western Russia because the Kenyan embassy in Moscow allegedly failed to assist them.
I have been in touch with some Kenyans who are in the Russian military. Our embassy in Moscow has refused to help them, and today they asked me to release their names:
— The People’s President (@bonifacemwangi) February 15, 2026
1. Nicholas Kaino Kiprotich
2. Samuel Maina Kariuki
3. Kelvin Lemashon
They are in Taunishevka, Western… pic.twitter.com/rC67MRKQqi
According to Mwangi, some of the Kenyans were then recruited into the Russian army, and some of them are reportedly dead.
“I have been in touch with some Kenyans who are in the Russian military. Our embassy in Moscow has refused to help them,” Mwangi said.
“They are in Taunishevka, Western Russia, waiting to be deployed. None of their friends who have been sent to the frontline has come back alive,” he added.
EXPLAINER: Gov’t Clarifies Why Helping Kenyans Stranded in Russia Has Limits
