Gov’t Breaks Silence On Kenyans’ Deaths In Ukraine, Warns Of Overseas Job Scams
The government has rescued 20 Kenyans who were tricked into international job scams, Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has revealed.
The CS warned young people to exercise caution when looking for work abroad.
Mudavadi warned that some young people are enticed with promises of rich professions only to wind themselves up in life-threatening situations.
This includes war zones like Russia and Ukraine, or those caught in human trafficking rings.
He was addressing during Mama Fanny Asigo Malova’s burial in Kipkaren, Kakamega County, on Saturday.
Fare Thee Well Mama Fanny Asigo Malova, Kipkaren, Kakamega County https://t.co/BDr41XYmV7
— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) February 7, 2026
“I want to tell our people to remain alert. We have seen young people leaving the country, claiming they are going to work abroad, only to be duped,” Mudavadi stated.
“Some sign contracts and later find themselves in war zones in Russia and Ukraine. The Government of Kenya has saved 20 Kenyans who had been caught up in this scam.”
Before travelling, he advised job seekers to check work offers with the Ministry of Labour, the National Employment Authority (NEA), and the Diaspora Affairs department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Please send a message to the Ministry of Labour, NEA and the Department of Diaspora so we can help you confirm whether an opportunity is legitimate,” he added.
Mudavadi noted that even relatives of public officials have fallen victim.
“Some leave without even informing their families. We have lost lives, others have been injured, and we are working to have them repatriated.”
Pcs Musalia Mudavadi warns kenyans against overseas job scams . pic.twitter.com/JBUopP5B5s
— Boniface (@kilundeezy) January 31, 2026
Mudavadi also stated that the government is pursuing bilateral labor agreements with foreign countries in order to build safer and more structured channels for overseas employment.
His statements come as allegations emerge that Kenyans are being recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Agency stated on Friday that three Kenyans who were purportedly recruited into Russia’s war effort were slain in East Ukraine.
❗️DIU reports that the bodies of two more Kenyan citizens who were recruited by the aggressor state of russia to wage a criminal war against Ukraine have been found in the vicinity of the city of Lyman in the Donetsk region.
— Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) February 6, 2026
🔗: https://t.co/D2FFyEaFSU pic.twitter.com/vh9ybkOU9T
According to the service, the bodies of Ombwori Denis Bagaka, Wahome Simon Gititu, and Clinton Nyapara Mogesa were discovered near Lyman in the Donetsk area.
The developments have increased scrutiny of Kenya’s workforce mobility programme.
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Labour CS Alfred Mutua has previously supported the program, claiming that most Kenyans who travel overseas find genuine employment.
Mutua, however, acknowledged that some youths have ended up in foreign conflicts due to inadequate verification.
The CS urged families and job seekers to confirm offers through NEA, which regulates recruitment agencies and maintains a register of licensed firms.
He warned that fraudsters often use visitor visas and false promises to trap victims.
Gov’t Breaks Silence On Kenyans’ Deaths In Ukraine, Warns Of Overseas Job Scams
