Thika: 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 Russian forces deep into the frontline of the war.

According to Kenya News Agency, his father, John Maina, stated that his son had served in the KDF for nearly eight years but left under unclear circumstances. After staying home for some time, he informed the family that he had landed a well-paying security guard job in Russia. Maina 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.

Maina explained that his son was taken to a camp and informed he had to join the Russian military, where they underwent military training for five days before being deployed to the frontlines in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He said his son narrated the horrors of life at the frontline, describing constant attacks and dangerous missions. Samuel Maina reportedly expressed deep regret over taking the job and asked his family for help to return home, but his pleas went unanswered.

His mother, Rahab Muthoni, mentioned that her son had not sent any money home and complained of not being paid by his recruiters. She expressed her distress, stating that Samuel is the firstborn and the family’s breadwinner, and his disappearance has left them broken. Their last communication with him was on Saturday, October 25, after which all contact was lost.

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 stated that the government is working to establish their identities, recruitment methods, and the possible involvement of intermediaries.