President William Ruto yesterday, Thursday, November 6, spoke on the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid growing concern over the alleged illegal recruitment of Kenyan youths to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
A statement said that the two leaders expressed concern over reports that some Kenyans had been misled into joining foreign armies, and agreed to create more awareness on the dangers of such activities.
In the call, President Ruto urged his Ukrainian counterpart to help release any Kenyan held by Ukrainian authorities, if any.
“I have asked President Zelenskyy to facilitate the release of any Kenyan in Ukrainian custody. I am grateful that His Excellency has agreed to my request,” said Ruto.
He particularly praised President Zelenskyy for hosting the upcoming Food Summit in Ukraine later this month.
This conversation comes amidst reports that several Kenyans have been detained in Ukraine for allegedly fighting alongside the Russian forces; among them is Evans Kibet, 44, arrested by Ukrainian soldiers along the border.
In a video that surfaced in September, Kibet said he left for Russia as an athlete, only to be deceived into joining the army.
“I ended up in Russia without knowing that I had been enlisted in the Russian army, and without ever having served before. I did not go to Russia for that,” he said.
The government of Kenya has held talks with Ukrainian authorities over the release of Kenyans who were caught up in this war zone last month.
In a related development, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei has met Ukrainian Ambassador Yurii Tokar in Nairobi to push for consular support, possible repatriation of those detained.
The government has since urged Kenyans to be careful about overseas job offers and suspicious travel deals, warning that criminal networks could be taking advantage of desperate job seekers.
