As the civil war in Russia unfolds, occasioned by an armed mutiny, Kenya reached out to the European nation to seek assurance that its nationals are safe.
Cabinet Secretary of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Alfred Mutua, on Saturday, June 24, asked Kenyans living in Russia not to panic even as the military allied with President Vladimir Putin planned to launch a counter-offensive against the Wagner mercenary group.
The CS disclosed that he spoke with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about the mutiny and Russia's resolve to restore peace.
"He has updated me on the situation and informed me that the Russian government is in control and everything will be fine," CS Mutua divulged in a statement released on Saturday, June 24.
Reports of a rift between the Wagner Group and the Kremlin were rife, with some sources claiming that the group had been sidelined in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin vowed to topple Putin from power, with the West keenly following the developments.
CS Mutua added that Kenya was also closely watching the civil war and hoped the conflict will be resolved.
"I have told the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov of our concern and wish," the CS detailed.
In his previous visit to Kenya on May 29, the Russian Foreign Minister stated that most Kenyans in Russia were students, and workers employed in the business, education, and health sectors.
Lavrov noted that Kenyans were attracted to Russia owing to its better educational institutions and low cost of living.
"There are also many opportunities for Kenyans in Russia, and those willing to put in the effort can find a successful life there.
"Still others come to Russia to work for multinational companies that have operations in both countries," Lavrov stated during his meeting with President William Ruto.
The Wagner Group had previously been accused of human rights abuses in several countries, including the Central African Republic, Syria, and Libya.
It was also believed to be closely linked to the Kremlin, with some experts opining that the Russian government used it to carry out covert operations. The Kremlin, however, denied any links to the mercenaries.
