Ukrainian soldiers/SCREENGRABA Russian national detained in Nairobi in connection with investigations into a network suspected of recruiting Kenyans for travel to Moscow with the risk of being drawn into the conflict in Ukraine was deported on Friday.
Officials said the foreigner was placed on a flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 1 pm, scheduled to transit through Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), before connecting to Moscow.
Authorities did not disclose why deportation was chosen instead of a local legal process. Sources indicated the decision followed high-level consultations.
Investigators said the individual was being questioned about possible links to a group suspected of moving Kenyans to Russia under the pretext of employment.
His arrest on Thursday evening followed a security operation that located 22 Kenyan nationals in rented apartments, where they were reportedly preparing to travel abroad.
Records show the man first entered Kenya on March 6, 2017. He was held at Muthaiga Police Station before deportation.
Security agencies have warned Kenyans to be cautious of offers of employment in Russia that may lead to forced military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Officials added they are pursuing other individuals of interest in the investigation.
Authorities say more than a dozen Kenyans are believed to have travelled to Russia through similar arrangements. The operation that uncovered the suspected trafficking network involved multiple security agencies.
Officials reported that some Kenyans were asked to pay significant sums for promised jobs in Moscow but later found themselves in dangerous combat situations, with reports of injuries and psychological trauma. Two Kenyans recently returned from Russia, and one is receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Separately, a Kenyan man is under investigation in connection with the same probe. The Kahawa Law Courts ordered that the man be held at Muthaiga Police Station for ten days to allow police to complete inquiries after prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions sought continued detention.
Court filings state that the man was arrested on September 25, 2025, at an estate in Athi River, Machakos County, where 22 Kenyans believed to be potential victims of trafficking were found.
Investigators said several passports and a mobile phone were recovered. They requested more time to record witness statements, conduct an identification parade, and examine the phone forensically. Gituku is being investigated for possible offences under the Counter Trafficking in Persons Act, 2010.
