Missing Kenyans in Ukraine: What Families Want Ruto to Do During His Russia Visit

President William Ruto’s trip to Russia has placed hundreds of Kenyan families in a difficult position as they wait for answers about relatives who travelled abroad and ended up fighting in the war against Ukraine.

As the President prepares to meet Russian leaders, some families are hoping his visit will help them discover the fate of loved ones they have struggled to reach for months.

Ruto is scheduled to attend the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow on October 28 and 29, 2026. His visit comes amid growing concern over Kenyans recruited to fight alongside Russian forces.

According to Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the government had records of 354 Kenyans linked to the conflict as of October 8.

Of these, 84 were reported killed or missing in action, while the whereabouts of another 52 remained unknown or unclassified.

For families back home, these figures represent more than statistics. They are relatives whose calls may no longer go through, whose whereabouts remain uncertain and whose fate is yet to be confirmed.

Some Kenyans reportedly travelled to Russia after being promised civilian employment, only to find themselves caught up in the conflict.

The actual number of recruits is also disputed. During parliamentary proceedings, petitioner Peter Kamau presented a list containing approximately 841 Kenyan recruits. Mudavadi said the names needed verification against official government records.

The government further reported that 77 Kenyans were on the front lines, 38 were in camps, 34 were hospitalised and five were prisoners of war in Ukraine. Another 62 nationals had been repatriated.

Kenya says it is using diplomatic channels to trace missing citizens, pursue the release of prisoners and assist those seeking to return home.

Mudavadi also said Kenya had been included on a Russian recruitment “Stop List” intended to prevent further enlistment of Kenyan nationals.

On October 27, some affected families reportedly tried to secure an audience with Ruto before he departed for Moscow.

However, State House has not confirmed whether he will specifically raise the missing Kenyans’ cases with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ruto’s announced agenda focuses on trade, investment, employment opportunities and cooperation in areas such as energy and technology.

But for the families waiting at home, there is another matter that could make this visit particularly important: finding out what happened to their loved ones.

Source:https://peopledaily.digital/news/ruto-to-russia-families-seek-answers-over-missing-kenyans-recruited-for-ukraine-war?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzUyNTQ2OTI1OTgyNzkAAR4g5yNPOXcYZqJM5l02_xw7UushTRGVbbi-B1RaVA-hhDLBrGNzgsOQCTNGTA_aem_qLjAHLHdAcFlGmFnjdTC5g

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