Kenyan charged with recruiting youths to fight for Russia against Ukraine
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A Kenyan man has been charged with recruiting 22 youths to Russia, where some faced exploitation and others were caught in the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Festus Arasa Omwamba,33, allegedly lured young Kenyans between December 2024 and September 2025 from Athi River in Machakos County under false promises of work and opportunity abroad.
Three of those who travelled earlier were reportedly injured after finding themselves in active conflict zones.
Omwamba surrendered at the Moyale immigration border on February 25, 2026, and was arrested by DCI officers before being handed over to the Trafficking in Persons Coordination Unit (TOCU) for investigation.
Court documents reveal that the 22 rescued victims were brought back to Kenya on September 24, 2025, following intervention by law enforcement.
Prosecutor Kennedy Amwayi told Kahawa Courts Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage that the case had drawn both national and international attention.
That due to the loss of lives and injuries among the victims, the suspect (Omwamba) posed a flight risk.
Omwamba pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in police custody ahead of a bond and bail hearing.
Families of some victims who had travelled earlier to Russia say they are still grappling with the aftermath, with injuries and trauma affecting their loved ones.
The case has highlighted gaps in awareness and regulation of overseas recruitment, as well as the dangers young Kenyans face when lured abroad under false pretenses.
The court will continue to hear the matter in the coming weeks as investigations by TOCU and the police proceed.
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