NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have arrested a man linked to an alleged scheme that lured Kenyans to Russia with false job promises, only for them to end up fighting in Ukraine.
Authorities detained Festus Omwamba in Moyale, near the Ethiopia border. Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said officers suspect him of human trafficking. He will be transported to Nairobi for further investigation. Muchiri added that Omwamba had recently returned from Russia and appeared to be fleeing.
Three Kenyan recruits previously identified Omwamba in interviews with The Associated Press. He reportedly went into hiding after families began protesting the disappearance and deaths of relatives involved in the war.
Last week, the Kenyan government disclosed that more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Officials said 89 remain on the front lines, 39 are hospitalized, and 28 are missing in action. Others have since returned home. At least one Kenyan has been confirmed dead.
An intelligence report tabled in Parliament by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah alleged collusion between Kenyan and Russian officials and rogue recruitment agencies. The report claims they coordinated efforts to send Kenyans to the battlefield under false pretenses.
The Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied the allegations. In a statement, it said it had not issued visas to individuals intending to fight in Ukraine. The embassy added that Russia does not prevent foreign nationals from voluntarily enlisting in its armed forces.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said on Feb. 9 that he plans to travel to Russia to address the issue diplomatically. He described the recruitment as a “misadventure” and pledged to confront any entities exploiting Kenyans.
Mudavadi also confirmed that the government is working to secure the release of Kenyans held in Ukrainian prisons. He said efforts to repatriate those currently in Russia are ongoing. He noted that President William Ruto had appealed to Ukrainian authorities to process and return Kenyans who may have violated foreign laws.
Omwamba’s arrest marks a significant step in efforts to dismantle the alleged recruitment network.
One recruit, John Kamau, who escaped the front line and sought refuge at the Kenyan Embassy in Russia, said he met Omwamba at a Nairobi house. The house reportedly held recruits awaiting travel to Russia. Kamau later returned to Kenya after embassy intervention.
Another recruit, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said Omwamba avoided written communication. Instead, he relied on phone calls and in-person meetings.
The recruit said he had signed up for what he believed was a plumbing job in Russia. Upon arrival, officials confiscated his passport and transferred him to a military camp. After several days, they deployed him to the front line.
Recruits said Omwamba managed their tourist visa applications and purchased their airline tickets. Within two weeks of initial contact, they received visas and departed for Russia.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities seek to determine the full scope of the alleged trafficking operation.
