[PHOTOS] Families of Kenyans killed in Russia protest, demand government intervention

Families of Kenyans who are in Russia and those who have died while fighting in Russia staged a protest in Nairobi on Thursday, urging the government to intervene and help bring their loved ones home.

The families gathered outside Parliament, where they presented a petition calling for urgent action from the government, including assistance in repatriating the bodies of those who died abroad.

Holding photographs of their relatives, the protesters lit candles and waved the Kenyan flag as they appealed to authorities to intervene diplomatically.

Some knelt in prayer while others placed the national flag on the ground during the emotional vigil.

“We are asking our President to make just one call so that our sons can come back home,” the families chanted. “Our President, you have the ability to bring our son home. Make just one call, and our sons will be free.”

One of the protesters, Monica Nerima, whose brother died in Russia, said the family has struggled to obtain clear information about his fate despite reaching out to authorities.

According to Nerima, her brother had earlier communicated that he was on his way home and had even informed the authorities about his travel plans.

“He had told us he was coming home and that he was in a taxi,” she said.

Relative of a Kenyan citizen in Russia writing the name of her kin while they staged protests in Nairobi demanding the government's intervention /EZEKIEL AMINGA

Nerima added that the family had written emails to Kenya’s diaspora office and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs seeking updates.

“I even received an email from the Russian Embassy saying they had given the update to the Diaspora Affairs office in Kenya,” she said.

“But when I asked for that update up until now, I have yet to hear from them.”

The families are now calling on the Kenyan government to engage Russian authorities to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and facilitate the return of the bodies for burial.

Families of Kenyans who are in Russia and those who have died while fighting in Russia staged a protest in Nairobi demanding the government's intervention /EZEKIEL AMINGA

Families of Kenyans who are in Russia and those who have died while fighting in Russia staged a protest in Nairobi demanding the government's intervention /EZEKIEL AMINGA