The Russian embassy in Nairobi broke its silence over an incident where one of its national was arrested, questioned and deported over claims of being involved in a syndicate to traffic Kenyans to Moscow to join war against Ukraine.
The embassy Saturday confirmed on the evening of September 25, 2025, Kenyan law enforcement officers escorted Mikhail Lyapin, a citizen of the Russian Federation, to one of Nairobi offices of the Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in order to question him about his business activities in the country.
“Upon completing all necessary procedures, in the afternoon of September 26, Mr. Lyapin, in accordance with his previous plans, left Kenya.”
“Diplomats of the Russian Embassy in Nairobi provided the necessary consular and legal assistance to the Russian citizen, and also made sure that his legal rights were not violated,” a statement from the embassy said.
It added the Russian Embassy has no official information from the Kenyan authorities regarding any claims against the Russian citizen or his activities.
“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 added the Embassy is always open to constructive cooperation with Kenyan authorities on issues related to the stay of Russian citizens in the Republic of Kenya, including their compliance with Kenyan and Russian legislation, and will continue its work to protect their rights and interests as well.
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