Families of Kenyans who were allegedly trafficked to Russia and forced into the war in Ukraine are demanding government action.
The families want President William Ruto to meet them before Kenya’s delegation travels to Moscow for the Africa-Russia Summit.
They are calling for the government to bring survivors back home, recover bodies for burial and provide clear information about the fate of their loved ones.
It has been 374 days since Kenyan authorities raided an apartment on September 27, 2025, and disrupted a suspected human trafficking network.
According to the families, about 1,000 Kenyans could be in Russia. They also claim that more than 350 Kenyans have died.
Now, more than 30 families want the government to act urgently to protect those who remain at risk.
Families seek meeting with Ruto
Peter Kamau, the coordinator of Russian victims, urged the government to meet the affected families.
He said they want to brief officials on the situation before the Kenyan delegation travels to Russia.
The families want Kenya to raise the issue of Kenyan nationals who remain in Russia, including those allegedly sent to the front lines.
Kamau also claimed that recruitment and trafficking of Kenyans to Russia continues.
Returnee describes experience on frontline
Meanwhile, a Kenyan returnee has described the dangers he faced after recruiters allegedly took him to Russia to fight in Ukraine.
David Lui said he spent almost two weeks on the frontline.
“Nilikaa frontline almost two weeks and I would see thousands of bodies that I’ve never seen,” Lui said.
He also described the financial promises that attracted recruits.
According to Lui, recruits could receive a signing bonus of about three million Russian roubles. He said the monthly basic pay stood at about 230,000 Russian roubles.
Lui also claimed that recruits sometimes signed power-of-attorney documents.
He said such documents could allow other people to access their money through banks.
Family searches for two sons
Patrick Lotie is among the parents searching for his children.
Two of his sons travelled to Russia but did not return home.
Lotie said one son is reportedly being held as a prisoner of war in Ukraine.
The family has not found the other son.
“Wote walienda huko wawili. Mmoja vile naskia nilipata ripoti yuko kule Ukraine alinaswa huko na mwingine hajawahi kupatikana,” Lotie said.
Families question DNA requirements
Some families say authorities have informed them that their relatives died in Russia.
However, they still face questions over the process of identifying the bodies.
Margaret Wairimu Ndung’u, the sister of one victim, said her family received information about her brother’s death.
She questioned why authorities still require DNA samples before issuing death certificates.
“Certificate na simu ya brother yangu ati ni Russia walipeana wanasema hatuwezi pewa hiyo death certificate kwa sababu kama hatujulikana sisi ni familia,” she said.
Wairimu also questioned why officials could discuss compensation before confirming the family relationship through DNA.
Families want action before Russia summit
The Third Russia-Africa Summit will take place in Moscow on October 28 and 29.
The summit will run alongside the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.
As Kenya prepares to send a delegation, the affected families want the government to address their concerns.
One family member said the situation had caused deep pain because many families had lost contact with their loved ones.
She appealed to President Ruto to take action and help bring Kenyans back home.
She also pointed to other countries that have taken steps to repatriate their nationals from Russia.
Recruitment allegedly continues
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid also raised concerns about ongoing recruitment.
He said reports indicate that Kenyans may still be travelling to Russia through recruitment networks.
“As recent as last month there is information that the recruitment is still ongoing yet we know that in other countries they have repatriated their nationals back,” Khalid said.
The families are now calling on the government to investigate the recruitment networks, protect Kenyans at risk and provide answers about those who have died or remain missing.
