Ukrainian Authorities Open to Talks Over Kenyan Athlete Allegedly Forced to Fight for Russia
The Ukrainian government is willing to talk to President William Ruto’s administration about the repatriation of Evans Kibet, a Kenyan national who was detained while fighting for Russia in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
According to BBC News Africa, Kyiv says Kibet will remain a prisoner of war in line with the Geneva Convention unless a court decides otherwise. Ukrainian officials also revealed that several other foreign nationals including Sierra Leone, Somalia, Kenya, Egypt, Togo, Cuba and Sri Lanka are in detention after being captured in the conflict.
Kenya and Russia have not issued any statements on Kibet’s case. Kibet’s family has appealed to the Kenyan government to intervene urgently to get him released and repatriated.
Speaking to BBC Africa on Friday, September 19, Kibet’s cousin said: “I am so traumatised. I didn’t sleep at night. I don’t even know what to say.”
Kibet’s younger brother also expressed shock, describing him as a humble and integral part of the family. “As a family we are shocked about the information we received about our brother whom we know and hope has never been involved in such scenarios,” he said.
The 36-year-old long distance runner was captured by Ukrainian forces after being coerced into joining the Russian army. In a video released by the Ukrainian military, Kibet said he was duped into enlisting after traveling to Russia for a race. He said his passport and phone were taken from him and he was forced to sign documents written in Russian which he doesn’t understand.
After a week of basic military training, Kibet was sent to the battlefield. He escaped and spent two days in a forest near the Ukraine-Russia border before surrendering to Ukrainian forces.
“I ended up in Russia without knowing I had been enlisted in the Russian army. I had never served before. I did not go to Russia for that,” Kibet said.
Kibet has pleaded not to be returned to Russia, citing fear for his life. His family wants him back home safely.
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Ukrainian Authorities Open to Talks Over Kenyan Athlete Allegedly Forced to Fight for Russia