Kenyan Athlete Describes Fallout from Being Tricked into Fighting for Russia

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:25:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Evans Kibet, a Kenyan long-distance runner, shares his harrowing experience of unintended military conscription in Russia while pleading for his return home.

In a distressing video, Evans Kibet, a 36-year-old Kenyan athlete, reveals he was deceived into joining the Russian army and now seeks to return home. Kibet, captured in Ukraine, explains how he was offered a supposed job in Russia that turned out to be military service. His family in Kenya is in shock but is somewhat relieved he is now in Ukrainian custody. The incident shines a light on how foreign recruits are manipulated into service, particularly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

With tears in his eyes, a young Kenyan athlete now captive in Ukraine pleads not to be sent back to Russia.

I will die there, Evans Kibet says, waving his hands in the air towards the unseen interviewer on the video released by a Ukrainian army brigade.

The 36-year-old prisoner of war is wearing a red sports top, with the brigade's flag visible behind him. He expresses his desperation to return home to see his 16-year-old daughter.

This aspiring long-distance runner claims he was tricked into joining the Russian army. The 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade shares the video as an example of how Russia treats foreign recruits but highlights that Kibet fought for the enemy, leaving his plea's credibility in question.

While this scenario of foreign recruits is not unprecedented, Kibet's case stands out as he speaks on video. Ukrainian officials report civilians from countries like Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka being captured, often deceived by false job promises.

Back in Kenya, Kibet's family is in shock. His cousin, Edith Chesoi, recounts her emotional struggle after watching him plead for his life in the video. Kibet is described as a humble figure and a source of guidance within his family, dedicated to his sport but facing financial hardships.

Kibet had been racing in less prestigious competitions across Europe and Asia, struggling to find success that could financially uplift him. After a series of setbacks, he accepted an opportunity from a sports agent to race in Russia, which turned into an entrapment.

He recounts: He came with papers written in Russian, told me it was for a job, and I unwittingly signed. Kibet was then taken to a military camp and pressured into service under threats of violence.

Following rudimentary military training, Kibet managed to escape and sought refuge with Ukrainian soldiers, expressing his nationality in hopes of surviving.

Although his family is distressed, they feel Kibet is safer with Ukrainian forces than in Russia. They are pleading with the Kenyan government for intervention, with the possibility of repatriation open if the Kenyan government expresses interest.