Kenya police have arrested Festus Omwamba, a man accused of orchestrating a scheme that allegedly lured Kenyans to Russia with promises of skilled jobs, only for them to end up fighting on the front lines in Ukraine.
Omwamba was arrested in the northern town of Moyale near the Ethiopian border and is expected to be transferred to Nairobi. Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said the suspect had been fleeing after returning from Russia.
The arrest follows growing concern over the recruitment of Kenyans into the war. The Kenyan government recently disclosed that more than 1,000 citizens had been recruited to fight for Russia. According to officials, at least 89 remain on the front line, 39 are hospitalised, 28 are missing in action, and several others have returned home. At least one Kenyan has been confirmed dead.
An intelligence report presented to parliament by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah alleged collusion between rogue recruitment agencies and certain Kenyan and Russian officials. However, the Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied issuing visas to individuals intending to fight in Ukraine, stating that while Russia allows foreign nationals to voluntarily enlist, it did not facilitate such recruitment.
Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi earlier said he would travel to Russia to address what he described as dubious recruitment activities.
Some recruits told media outlets that they were promised jobs such as plumbing but had their passports confiscated upon arrival in Russia before being deployed to military camps. They claimed Omwamba handled their tourist visa applications and travel arrangements.
Authorities describe the arrest as a significant step in efforts to dismantle alleged human trafficking networks linked to the conflict.
SOURCE : TRT AFRICA
