The Ukrainian government has signaled its willingness to engage Kenya in discussions over the possible repatriation of Evans Kibet, a Kenyan national captured by Ukrainian forces while reportedly fighting for Russia in the ongoing war.
According to BBC News Africa, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration has maintained that Kibet will remain a prisoner of war under the Geneva Convention unless a court rules otherwise. Officials also revealed that Ukraine is holding several other African nationals captured during the conflict, including citizens from Sierra Leone, Somalia, Egypt, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka.
Family’s Emotional Plea
Back home, Kibet’s family has appealed to the government to intervene and secure his release. His cousin told the BBC they have been replaying Evans’ video in disbelief since his capture.
“I am so traumatised. I didn’t sleep at night. I don’t even know what to say,” the cousin said in an interview on Friday, September 19.
His younger brother described Evans as humble and a cornerstone of their family.
“As a family, we are shocked about the information that we received concerning our brother, whom we know and hope has never been involved in such scenarios,” he added.
Kibet’s Appeal From Captivity
The 36-year-old athlete appeared in a video released last week by the Ukrainian military, where he said he had been duped into the conflict and pleaded to return home to care for his teenage daughter.
“I’m an athlete. I have been in athletics for over 10 years. I don’t want Russia, I will die there. I have a daughter who is 16 years who stays with my mother she is 16 years. She needs me,” Kibet said.
He revealed that he is a single parent, and his daughter currently lives with his mother in Kenya.
Read More – “I Was Deceived”: Kenyan Tourist Forced into Russian Army Speaks Out
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