Russian Officials Dispute Citizen's Arrest in Kenya
Russian Embassy Clarifies Situation of Mikhail Lyapin in Kenya
In a recent statement, the Russian Embassy in Nairobi addressed media reports that suggested a Russian national, Mikhail Lyapin, had been arrested and deported from Kenya. The embassy clarified that these reports were misleading and emphasized that Lyapin was never detained during his stay in the country.
The statement noted that on September 25, 2025, Kenyan law enforcement officers escorted Lyapin to an office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi. This was done to question him regarding his business activities in Kenya. After completing all necessary procedures, Lyapin left the country on September 26 as planned, according to his original travel schedule.
The embassy also highlighted that its diplomats provided consular and legal assistance to Lyapin throughout the process, ensuring that his rights were not violated. It further stated that no official communication had been received from Kenyan authorities concerning any allegations against Lyapin.
The mission stressed that Lyapin is not affiliated with 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 said.
The embassy reiterated its commitment to working with Kenyan authorities to protect the rights of Russian citizens while ensuring they comply with both Russian and Kenyan laws. It encouraged Russian citizens in Kenya to register with the Consulate Section and urged Kenyan citizens traveling to Russia for study, work, tourism, or other purposes to contact the Consular Section for assistance.
Context of the Investigation
This clarification comes amid ongoing investigations into the illegal recruitment of Kenyans to fight for Russia. Earlier in the week, security agencies 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 former police officers and soldiers, while others were civilians from different parts of Kenya. Officials have indicated that more suspects are being pursued, as it was revealed that over a dozen Kenyans had already left for Russia for the mission.
Kenyan security officials have issued warnings to citizens about deceptive overseas job offers, cautioning that some victims could be forcibly enlisted to fight in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This operation was part of a multi-agency effort aimed at addressing the issue after it was discovered that Kenyans were paying large sums to secure employment in Russia, only to end up in combat.
Reports indicate that some individuals were killed, others were injured, and survivors faced torture or psychological trauma. Recently, two Kenyans returned to the country, one of whom is currently hospitalized at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The situation underscores the need for vigilance and awareness among citizens when considering foreign employment opportunities. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activities and seeking legitimate assistance through official channels.
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