Families of Kenyans trafficked to Russia demand Ruto's action

• They want President William Ruto to meet them before Kenya’s delegation leaves for the Africa-Russia Summit in Moscow.
• The families are seeking the repatriation of survivors, the recovery of bodies for burial and full disclosure on the fate of their loved ones.

Kenya's President William Ruto hosts Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at State House, Nairobi on May 29, 2023. Kenya said it will deepen its relations with Russia to increase trade volumes. Photo/State House

Families of Kenyans trafficked to Russia and allegedly forced into the war in Ukraine are demanding government action.

They want President William Ruto to meet them before Kenya’s delegation leaves for the Africa-Russia Summit in Moscow.

The families are seeking the repatriation of survivors, the recovery of bodies for burial and full disclosure on the fate of their loved ones.

It is now 374 days since Kenyan authorities raided an apartment and disrupted a suspected trafficking ring on September 27, 2025.

An estimated 1,000 Kenyans are believed to be in Russia, with more than 350 reportedly dead. Now, more than 30 families are demanding urgent government action to save those still at risk.

“We are asking for rather we are demanding the dedication of the Republic of Kenya to give us audience so that we can tell them exactly what you would want them to discuss an address in Russia even as they go for that African summit of importance iur our people continue to suffer in Russia continue to be killed in Russia taken to the front line and they have most of them have actually died we have so many Kenyans who still continue to get recruited and traffic to Russia through our Airport,” said Russian Victims coordinator Peter Kamau.

A returnee has shared his ordeal on the frontlines in Ukraine, recounting the dangers he faced after being recruited to fight.

“Nilikaa frontline almost two weeks and I would see thousands of bodies that I’ve never seen. The signing bonus itakuwa 3 million robuls of which ukichange to Kenyan shillings, itakuwa almost 4.3 million Kenyan shillings and a monthly basic of 230. So ulikuwa unapata power of attorney ukienda bank kuna mahali unaambiwa uache usisign. So ulikuwa unawapea power anaweza enda bank na claim your money,” a returnee David Lui lamented.

Patrick Lotie is a father living in distress. Two of his children travelled to Russia but never returned. One is reportedly being held as a prisoner of war in Ukraine.

“Wote walienda huko wawili na mmoja vile naskia nilipata ripoti yuko kule Ukraine alinaswa huko na mwingine hajawahi kupatikana,” said Patrick Lotie.

Some families have been notified of their loved ones’ deaths and called for compensation, yet questions remain over why they are still being asked to provide DNA samples.

“Certificate na simu ya brother yangu ati ni Russia walipeana wanasema hatuwezi pewa hiyo death certificate kwa sababu kama hatujulikana sisi ni familia. So huyo Wachira nikamuuliza tuliitwa tufanyiwe compensation ya James, compensation mnaweza fanyia mtu bila DNA lakini death certificate mnataka mtumie DNA?” Sister to a Victim in Russia, Margaret Wairimu Ndung’u said.

The Third Russia-Africa Summit takes place in Moscow on October 28-29, alongside the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. As Kenya prepares to send a delegation, families of Kenyans trafficked to Russia are pressing for their demands to be heard.

“It’s so hurting not to hear from the son for now it’s going to a near now I pray and I pray that Mr President please take some action because other countries have been taking action of removing their people from Russia and we wonder why our president is not saying anything about this,” added the sister.

Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid stated, “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.”