The case has stirred debate both locally and internationally, after reports suggested that dozens of Kenyans were being lured with promises of lucrative jobs in Russia, only to later be deployed as fighters in Ukraine.
In a statement released on Saturday, September 27, the Russian Embassy said the man at the center of the allegations was not working for the Russian state.
According to the embassy, the individual was briefly questioned by Kenyan authorities but was not arrested or deported, contrary to earlier reports in the media.
“In the evening of September 25, Kenyan law enforcement escorted a Russian citizen to one of Nairobi’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices for questioning,” the statement read.
“Upon completing all necessary procedures, the individual, in line with his personal plans, left Kenya the following day.”
The embassy stressed that it had provided legal and consular support to ensure his rights were not violated.
It further added that no charges were filed against him, and Kenyan authorities had not shared any formal claims or accusations.
The embassy categorically denied that the suspect had ties with Russian institutions, including its diplomatic mission in Nairobi.
“Contrary to widespread media reports, the Russian governmental bodies have never employed the said individual. He does not serve at the Russian Embassy in Kenya,” the statement continued.
Officials also assured that the embassy remains committed to cooperating with Kenyan authorities on issues concerning Russian citizens, particularly to ensure they comply with both Kenyan and Russian laws.
Despite the embassy’s defense, Kenyan police maintain that the man was involved in suspicious activities.
Security officers revealed that they rescued 22 Kenyans in Athi River, Machakos County, who were allegedly preparing to travel to Russia under his guidance.
Investigators said the group was found waiting for travel documents, which they believed would secure them employment abroad.
However, detectives suspect the jobs were a cover for recruitment into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Police sources claim the victims were promised lucrative opportunities but were later informed of obligations that pointed toward combat roles.
Some of those rescued admitted to signing contracts with an unregistered employment agency, pledging to pay up to Ksh 2.3 million (USD 18,000) for visas, accommodation, and travel.
The confusion deepened after conflicting reports emerged about whether the Russian national had been arraigned in court.
Some media outlets claimed police obtained permission to hold him for ten more days to finalize investigations.Click here.
Despite the embassy’s defense, Kenyan police maintain that the man was involved in suspicious activities.
Security officers revealed that they rescued 22 Kenyans in Athi River, Machakos County, who were allegedly preparing to travel to Russia under his guidance.
Investigators said the group was found waiting for travel documents, which they believed would secure them employment abroad.
However, detectives suspect the jobs were a cover for recruitment into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Police sources claim the victims were promised lucrative opportunities but were later informed of obligations that pointed toward combat roles.
Some of those rescued admitted to signing contracts with an unregistered employment agency, pledging to pay up to Ksh 2.3 million (USD 18,000) for visas, accommodation, and travel.
The confusion deepened after conflicting reports emerged about whether the Russian national had been arraigned in court.
Some media outlets claimed police obtained permission to hold him for ten more days to finalize investigations.Click here.
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