Bring them home now! Muturi tells State over Kenyans in Russia-Ukraine war

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi/FILE

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has criticised the government’s response to reports that Kenyans have been recruited to fight in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.

He accused authorities of offering statements instead of taking decisive action.

In a statement, Muturi said the government must prioritise the safety and return of affected citizens rather than “hiding behind the language of investigations” as families grapple with uncertainty.

“We demand the immediate return of our people to Kenyan soil. Investigations may continue, but the first responsibility of the State is clear; secure the safe return of those who are alive and ensure that those who have tragically lost their lives are brought home with dignity and honour,” he said.

Last week, Muturi raised alarm over what he termed credible reports that Kenyan youth had been recruited and deployed to the Russia–Ukraine conflict zone.

He warned that silence and inaction from authorities entrusted with power was unacceptable.

“I warned that the silence and inaction from those entrusted with power was unacceptable,” he said, adding that Kenya has clear obligations under international law.

In the statement, Muturi cited United Nations Security Council Resolution 2331 (2016), which addresses trafficking and exploitation in situations of armed conflict, arguing that the reports, if confirmed, raise serious legal and moral concerns.

“I reminded the country of Kenya’s obligations under international law, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2331 (2016), which speaks directly to trafficking and exploitation in situations of armed conflict,” he stated.

His remarks come amid reports that at least 1,000 Kenyans may have been recruited and deployed to fight in the Russian-Ukrainian war, with some allegedly travelling on tourist visas before joining the Russian army. The claims have triggered anxiety among families, with questions mounting over how the recruitment may have occurred.

Muturi dismissed the government’s latest assurances that it was “looking into the matter,” saying the response fell short of public expectations.

“Today, the Government is issuing statements and speaking of ‘looking into the matter.’ That is not enough,” he said. “Kenyans do not need public relations responses. They need action. They need leadership. They need their children brought home.”

He described the situation as more than a bureaucratic oversight, warning of grave consequences if young Kenyans were misled or trafficked into a foreign conflict zone.

“This is not a minor administrative lapse. If young Kenyans were misled, trafficked, or facilitated into a foreign war zone under the watch of this administration, then this represents a grave failure of duty,” he said.

The Democratic Party leader demanded answers from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Labour, posing three questions: “Who authorized or permitted this recruitment? How many Kenyans are currently in the conflict zone? What concrete steps are being taken to secure their immediate return?”

Muturi said Kenya deserves leadership that safeguards its youth proactively rather than reacting after public outcry.