MWE Correspondent
Kenya’s President William Ruto has appealed to the government of Ukraine to release several Kenyan nationals reportedly being held in the country after being misled into joining the ongoing war against Russia.
According to information from State House, President Ruto held a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Thursday, November 6, during which he expressed deep concern over reports that some young Kenyans were trapped in Ukraine after being lured with false promises of jobs and education opportunities.
“I have requested President Zelenskyy to ensure the release and safe return of any Kenyan currently in Ukrainian custody,” President Ruto said in a statement shared on his official social media pages. He added that his administration is committed to working closely with Ukrainian authorities to ensure that innocent Kenyans caught in the crossfire of the war are returned home safely.
The Ukrainian government has acknowledged the issue, with President Zelenskyy pledging to support Kenya’s request and to investigate claims that foreign nationals were being pressured or deceived into joining military operations.
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Ukrainian officials described such recruitment tactics as “fraudulent” and warned that the individuals behind them would face legal consequences.
Earlier reports from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry indicated that more than 1,400 Africans from at least 36 countries were identified fighting for Russia, some under coercion and others due to false recruitment schemes.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has since opened investigations to identify and assist its citizens affected by the situation. Officials have urged families to report missing relatives who might have travelled to Eastern Europe for work, study, or other purposes in recent months.
This diplomatic engagement marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Nairobi and Kyiv. Both countries have agreed to cooperate more closely on humanitarian issues, consular protection, and countering human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable youth in developing nations.
President Ruto also took the opportunity to commend Ukraine for its humanitarian initiatives, including its upcoming Food Summit, and reaffirmed Kenya’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and peace efforts.
Analysts say the move shows Kenya’s growing global voice in advocating for the rights and safety of African citizens abroad, as well as its commitment to maintaining balanced international relations amid ongoing global tensions.
