Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that he is planning a diplomatic visit to Russia as part of efforts to protect Kenyans caught up in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
According to Mudavadi, Nairobi is keen on engaging the Russian government directly to ensure Kenyan citizens do not fall into dangerous traps linked to the conflict.
“I will soon be making an official visit to Russia so that we can engage their government and discuss these issues, so that Kenyans do not fall into traps,” Mudavadi said.
He was speaking Friday during an interview with Western Kenya radio stations.
He noted that some citizens may have found themselves in precarious situations due to misinformation, irregular recruitment, or false promises of work.
He said Kenya’s approach is anchored on diplomacy and dialogue, adding that the government is keen to understand the circumstances under which Kenyans are being affected and to prevent further exposure to danger.
Mudavadi further disclosed that President William Ruto has also held talks with the Ukrainian government, particularly regarding Kenyans who were detained as prisoners of war in Ukraine.
“The President has engaged the Ukrainian authorities because there are Kenyans who were detained there. We are pursuing diplomatic means to ensure they are released and safely returned home,” he said.
The PCS stressed that Kenya does not support its citizens taking part in foreign conflicts and has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Reinforcing the government’s position, Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei recently said that Kenya has already repatriated 28 Kenyans from Russia since December, following sustained diplomatic engagement.
Sing’oei said the Kenyans who returned home had approached Kenyan diplomatic missions after finding themselves in difficult circumstances linked to the conflict.
“Our policy position is clear, it is not the policy of the Kenyan government that any Kenyan should participate in this war. This is a war that must end,” Sing’oei said.
He added that the government is pursuing two parallel diplomatic tracks: securing the release of Kenyans detained in Ukraine and engaging Russian authorities to prevent further irregular recruitment of Kenyan citizens.
Sing’oei acknowledged that establishing the exact number of Kenyans affected by the conflict remains difficult due to the informal nature of some recruitment processes, but said the government remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad.
The government has also intensified public awareness campaigns, warning Kenyans against dubious overseas job offers and urging them to verify employment opportunities through official channels.
Mudavadi reiterated that Kenya will continue using diplomatic channels to safeguard its nationals, adding that the government remains vigilant to ensure no Kenyan is exploited or exposed to harm as a result of the war.
“Our responsibility is to protect our people, wherever they are, and diplomacy remains our strongest tool,” he said.
by FELIX KIPKEMOI
