Family Appeals for Answers as Oscar Ojiambo Vanishes in Russia

The family of Oscar Agola Ojiambo, a 32-year-old former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier from Busia County, is appealing for urgent assistance following his disappearance in Russia. Ojiambo reportedly travelled to Russia in May 2025 after being recruited for a military job linked to the Russian armed forces. His family last had contact with him shortly after his arrival, when he confirmed he had begun training. They have not heard from him for over five months, leading to fears he may be involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Oscar's sister, Mary Olendo, recounted their last conversation, stating he told her he was fine and things were moving fast, expressing hope for the future. She tearfully added, "We've not heard from him since, and it's been over five months." His father, Charles Mutoka, also shared that Oscar had sent an image of himself and colleagues in military attire. The family believes Oscar's decision to travel to Russia was motivated by the promise of a better life and lucrative opportunities, a common aspiration among young Kenyans facing limited economic prospects at home.

Historical and Political Context of Kenyans Abroad

The case of Oscar Ojiambo is not isolated. Reports have emerged in recent months concerning the recruitment of foreign nationals, including Kenyans, into the Russian military. In September 2025, a Kenyan identified as Evans, an athlete, was captured by Ukrainian forces. He claimed he travelled to Russia as a tourist and was deceived into signing military documents, receiving only a week of training before being sent to the front lines.

The Kenyan government has faced criticism regarding its response to citizens missing or in distress abroad. In October 2025, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, urged Kenyans to verify job opportunities through credible and licensed agents, noting that many still use unlicensed travel and tour companies. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs plays a crucial role in managing international relations and providing services to Kenyans abroad, including consular assistance.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

Kenya has adopted rules aimed at ensuring only "credible and licensed" agents offer foreign job opportunities. However, the effectiveness of these regulations has been questioned, particularly concerning recruitment to Russia. There are concerns that some recruitment schemes, such as the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which targets young African women for drone manufacturing, may trap recruits with difficult conditions and surveillance.

The Kenyan Embassy in the Russian Federation provides consular services and encourages Kenyan citizens residing in Russia to register with them. This registration is crucial for the embassy to monitor and assist its citizens in case of emergencies or challenges. Bosco Mutegi, an expert, emphasized the need for Kenyans abroad to visit their country's embassy and ensure their presence is known, highlighting the availability of emergency travel visas for those facing difficulties.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Oscar Ojiambo's family has reached out to government agencies and international organizations for help but has encountered roadblocks and received limited information. Their anguish is compounded by the lack of clarity on his whereabouts or confirmation of his enlistment. The case has intensified fears among families of Kenyan nationals who have vanished under similar circumstances, allegedly after being trafficked to fight for the Russian army.

In a related incident, another Kenyan, Kevin Kariuki, was rescued from the warfront after being captured by Ukrainian forces and repatriated to Kenya. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei confirmed the rescue and repatriation of three Kenyans—Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika, and Derick Njaga—in September 2025, commending the Kenyan Mission in Moscow for their efforts.

Evidence and Data

• Oscar Agola Ojiambo: 32-year-old former KDF soldier, missing in Russia since May 2025.
• Kenyans Missing Abroad: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported in August 2025 that over 82,000 people are missing across Africa due to conflict and violence. While this figure is continent-wide, it underscores the broader issue of disappearances.
• Deaths Abroad: The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported a 13% increase in Kenyan deaths abroad in 2024, with 305 deaths compared to 270 in 2023.
• Recruitment Concerns: Around 400 Kenyan women aged 18-22 have reportedly been issued passports to travel to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Russia, though as of December 2024, only 14 Kenyans were employed there, and two had returned home, according to a Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime report.

Risks and Implications

The disappearance of Kenyans like Oscar Ojiambo highlights the significant risks associated with foreign recruitment for military or paramilitary roles, particularly in conflict zones. Individuals seeking better economic opportunities may be vulnerable to deceptive recruitment practices, leading to their involvement in dangerous situations without adequate protection or support.

The lack of clear information and accountability in such cases can cause immense emotional distress for families and raise questions about the government's capacity to protect its citizens abroad. Critics argue that Kenya's muted response to abductions of its nationals in foreign countries, including activists, mirrors a worrying pattern and may be perceived as legitimizing repression.

Unknowns and Controversies

The exact circumstances of Oscar Ojiambo's disappearance remain unknown. It is unclear whether he was fully aware of the nature of the military service he was entering or if he was misled by recruitment agents. The extent of official or unofficial recruitment channels for Kenyans to join foreign military forces, particularly in Russia, is also a subject of ongoing concern and investigation.

There is also a lack of transparency regarding the number of Kenyans currently fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war and the mechanisms for their recruitment and repatriation. The Kenyan government's efforts to track and assist its citizens in such situations continue to be scrutinized by families and human rights advocates.

Timeline and Next Steps

• May 2025: Oscar Agola Ojiambo travels to Russia after alleged recruitment.
• October 13, 2025: News of Oscar Ojiambo's disappearance becomes widely reported.

The Ojiambo family continues to appeal to government authorities for assistance in tracing their missing relative. They seek closure, whether he is alive or dead. The Kenyan government is expected to intensify efforts to investigate recruitment practices and ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, particularly in regions affected by conflict.

What to Watch

The ongoing investigations into recruitment agencies facilitating travel to Russia for military-related work will be crucial. The government's response to families of missing Kenyans and its diplomatic engagement with Russia regarding the welfare of Kenyan nationals will also be closely watched. Furthermore, the broader issue of human trafficking and deceptive recruitment tactics targeting vulnerable Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad remains a critical area of focus.

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The disappearance of Oscar Ojiambo resonates with other cases of Kenyans facing difficulties abroad, including those allegedly trafficked for work in the Gulf states and activists abducted in neighbouring countries. These incidents collectively highlight the challenges faced by Kenyans in the diaspora and the need for robust government protection and support.