Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Kenya Vsevolod Tkachenko/HANDOUTIn a statement on Saturday, the embassy said media coverage of Mikhail Lyapin, a Russian national, was misleading, insisting that the businessman was scheduled to depart the country on the said date.
"In connection with a number of media reports alleging the “arrest” and subsequent “deportation” of a Russian citizen in Kenya, we would like to inform of the following. In the evening of September 25, 2025, Kenyan law enforcement officers escorted Mikhail Lyapin, a citizen of the Russian Federation, to one of Nairobi offices of the Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in order to question him about his business activities in the country. Upon completing all necessary procedures, in the afternoon of September 26, Mr. Lyapin, in accordance with his previous plans, left Kenya. Diplomats of the Russian Embassy in Nairobi provided the necessary consular and legal assistance to the Russian citizen, and also made sure that his legal rights were not violated," the statement reads.
It explained that on September 25, Kenyan law enforcement
escorted Lyapin to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi,
where he was questioned about his business activities, but was not detained.
“Diplomats of the Russian Embassy in Nairobi provided the
necessary consular and legal assistance to the Russian citizen, and also made
sure that his legal rights were not violated,” the embassy said.
The mission added that it had not received any official
communication from Kenyan authorities regarding allegations against Lyapin.
It also stressed that Lyapin is not employed by the Russian government or the embassy in Nairobi.
"Contrary to the reports of a number of media outlets, Mr. Lyapin has never been an employee of Russian governmental bodies and does not work at the Russian Embassy in Nairobi," the statement reads.
Reaffirming its readiness to work with Kenyan authorities, the embassy noted it remains committed to protecting the rights of Russian citizens while ensuring they comply with both Russian and Kenyan laws.
"The Embassy is always open to constructive cooperation with Kenyan authorities on issues related to the stay of Russian citizens in the Republic of Kenya, including their compliance with Kenyan and Russian legislation, and will continue its work to protect their rights and interests as well, the statement reads in part.
"The Embassy once again urges Kenyan citizens traveling to the Russian Federation for study, work, tourism, or other purposes to contact the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Nairobi should they have any inquiries, and Russian citizens in Kenya to register with the Mission’s Consulate Section."
The clarification comes amid reports that Lyapin was linked
to investigations into the illegal recruitment of Kenyans to fight for Russia.
Earlier in the week, security agencies had rescued at least 21
Kenyans from apartments in Nairobi, where they were allegedly being processed
for travel to Russia under false pretenses.
Some of the men appeared to be ex-police officers and
soldiers, though the majority were civilians from various parts of Kenya.
Officials said more suspects are being pursued in connection
with the syndicate, after it emerged that more than a dozen Kenyans had already
left for Russia for the mission.
Kenyan security officials have cautioned citizens against
falling for deceptive overseas job offers, warning that some victims risk being
forcibly enlisted to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
This success was borne out of a multi-agency operation where
officers, drawn from various security organs, focused on the vice after it was
established that Kenyans were being duped to pay huge sums to secure employment
in Russia but ended up in combat.
Some were reported killed, others maimed, while survivors
bore torture wounds or psychological trauma.
Two Kenyans recently returned to the country, one of whom is
admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital.
