Political activist and presidential candidate Bonface Mwangi has accused the Kenyan Embassy in Russia of disregarding pleas from Kenyans reportedly seeking help after being drafted into Russian military forces.
According to Mwangi, he has been in communication with multiple Kenyans, including Nicholas Kaino Kiprotich, Samuel Maina Kariuki, and Kevin Lemashon. He stated that the three are currently stationed in Taunishevka, western Russia, awaiting deployment, but are now requesting the Kenyan Government’s intervention after allegedly realizing the dangers they confront.
Mwangi further claimed that several of their colleagues who had already been deployed did not return alive.
Mwangi also shared a video on social media showing what appears to be a group of Kenyans in what looks like a dormitory. He stated that two individuals identified in the video as David and Reuben have since passed away.
His comments come as public concern grows over reports that Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
Pressure has been increasing on the Government to take decisive action against agents and recruiters allegedly involved in facilitating the enlistment of Kenyans into foreign military service.
In a statement released on Tuesday, February 10, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that he has planned a visit to Russia.
Among the issues expected to be discussed is the reported recruitment of Kenyans through what the Government described as unauthorized agents.
The statement further indicated that, through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenya has so far assisted in the rescue of 27 Kenyans. Meanwhile, several families whose relatives have been confirmed deceased have appealed to the Government for help in repatriating their bodies for burial in Kenya.
Early February, a family in Nyeri County was compelled to conduct a mock burial for their relative who reportedly died in Russia in December 2025 with the body remaining on the battlefield.