Overview
- Prosecutors say Festus Arasa Omwamba, a recruitment firm director, deceived victims and trafficked them to Russia for exploitation.
- Authorities report that 22 of the 25 were rescued in September from an Athi River apartment before departure, while three who reached Russia returned with frontline injuries.
- Kenya’s National Intelligence Service recently reported more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight and alleged collusion involving rogue officials and embassy staff.
- Russia’s embassy in Nairobi denies any illegal recruitment and notes that foreign citizens may voluntarily enlist in Russia’s armed forces.
- Kenya says 27 citizens stranded in Russia have been rescued, and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi plans a March visit to pursue further returns.