A family in Kilimambogo, Thika East, Kiambu County, is pleading with the government to help trace and rescue their son, a former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer who is allegedly trapped in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The family of Samuel Maina, 31, says he left home on August 17, 2025, after securing what he believed to be a lucrative security job in Russia but ended up being coerced into the Russia forces deep into the frontline of the war.
His father, John Maina, said his son had served in the KDF for nearly eight years but left under unclear circumstances adding that after staying home desperate for some time, he informed the family that there was a well-paying security guard job in Russia that he had landed.
He added that his son learned about the job through a WhatsApp group. However, upon arrival in Russia, he reportedly found himself in a military camp instead of a security job.
“From what he told us, he was taken to a camp and informed he had to join the Russian military. They underwent military training for five days before being deployed to the frontlines in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war,” Maina told journalists when they visited his home on Wednesday.
Maina said his son narrated the horrors of life at the front line describing constant attacks and dangerous missions. He at one time revealed to them that his unit was once ambushed in a forest, leaving only two survivors after a missile strike.
He reportedly expressed deep regret over taking the job and asked his family for help to return home, but his pleas went unanswered, added the father.
His mother, Rahab Muthoni, said her son had not sent any money home and complained of not being paid by his recruiters.
“Samuel is the firstborn and the family’s breadwinner. His disappearance has left us broken,” she said tearfully.
Their last communication with him was on Saturday, October 25, after which all contact was lost to date. “We fear for his life, given the stories he told us about the danger he was in,” Muthoni added.
His siblings, Mary Njeri and Zachariah Muiruri, echoed the family’s fears, saying they only pray for his safe return.
The family is now appealing to the government to liaise with the Russian Embassy to help trace and repatriate him.
This comes as Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that investigations are underway into cases of Kenyan citizens reportedly recruited to fight for Russia. He said the government is working to establish their identities, recruitment methods, and the possible involvement of intermediaries.
By Mercy Ndanu and Muoki Charles
