More Kenyans Stranded in Russian Army as Calls for Govt Rescue Intensify
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Fresh worries have also been raised over the status of the allegedly recruited Kenyan nationals in the Russian army in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with opinion being sharply divided among activists and social media users on who to blame for their current status.
Activist Boniface Mwangi on Sunday, February 15, claimed he had been in contact with several Kenyans currently stationed in western Russia and awaiting deployment to the frontline.
According to him, the individuals had sought intervention from Kenyan authorities without success.
“I have been in touch with some Kenyans who are in the Russian military,” Mwangi said, adding that “our embassy in Moscow has refused to help them.”
He further stated that the men had requested that their identities be made public.
Mwangi named the three as “Nicholas Kaino Kiprotich, Samuel Maina Kariuki, and Kelvin Lemashon,” saying they are, “in Taunishevka, Western Russia, waiting to be deployed.”
He warned that “none of their friends who have been sent to the frontline has come back alive,” and alleged that two Kenyans identified as David and Reuben had already died after deployment.
Claims of Abandonment
The activist directed his appeal to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, urging swift diplomatic action.
He claimed that the Kenyans who were stranded were afraid of being deployed into active combat areas soon.
Although the government had not stated the matter, the claims sparked a heated online discussion on the extent of the government’s responsibility for Kenyans who voluntarily join foreign armed forces.
The Russian attack on Ukraine commenced in February 2022.
The war is among the bloodiest in Europe in the past few decades.
Public Backlash and Divided Opinion
Not all opinions were positive.
A user on the social media platform X(former twitter), named @ebeegeexi, disagreed with the claims and the need for the Kenyans to be rescued.
According to the user, the risks of joining a foreign army were well known.
“They thought they went there for what exactly, training only? War is war!” the user wrote, adding, “You join the military expecting to fight in a war!”
The post continued, “There is always a choice; they can refuse to fight, desert, and get jailed. But signing a contract and hoping to be whisked away by some embassy is not a plan!”
Another user, @KenMuokatene, questioned who financed the recruits’ travel and upkeep.
“Something must be clear here; someone facilitated travel costs, including air tickets, accommodation, medical, and food,” the user stated.
“Did they think they were going sightseeing? Let them fight and pay back in whichever way Putin sees fit. Nonsense!”
Similarly, @KenyanRegista argued that, “the truth is these Kenyans go to Russia willingly despite knowing the dangers,” adding that, “at times we put too much pressure on the government when the victims are dishonest.”
Diplomatic and Legal Questions
The unfolding situation raises complex diplomatic and legal questions.
Kenya does not officially allow or sanction the service of its citizens in foreign armed forces. Serving in foreign forces is a security risk.
As the pressure continues to pile up on the Kenyan authorities, the focus is shifting to whether they will officially act on the claims from Moscow.
However, for the families of the allegedly stranded Kenyans in Taunishevka, the online debate is not doing them any good as the uncertainty about their loved ones continues to deepen.
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Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS, Musalia Mudavadi in a Past Event. PHOTO/ Facebook.
