"Hatukujua Alienda Wapi" Family of Kenyan Athlete Captured Fighting For Russia Speaks

The family of Kenyan athlete Evans Kibet has spoken out after learning he was captured by Ukrainian forces while serving in the Russian military. 

The incident has left his relatives in disbelief, as they were unaware he would become involved in a war zone.

Kibet, a track and field athlete from Kenya, was detained near Vovchansk in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, according to Ukraine’s 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. 

He is currently in Ukrainian custody and is reportedly being treated according to international standards.

Speaking to reporters, Kibet’s younger brother, Isaac Kipyego, revealed that the family had expected him to be on a short sporting trip. 

“He told us he received an invitation for a race in Moscow and would be gone for two weeks. We were shocked to see reports that he had been captured. 

We never imagined he would end up on the battlefield,” he said.

Isaac said the family is taking steps to secure Evans’ safe return home. 

Officials, after hearing the situation, assured them that he would be repatriated to Kenya.

“We explained everything, and we were told he would come back. That is our hope now,” Isaac added.

The sequence of events that led Kibet into military service began with a visit to Russia alongside three other Kenyan athletes. 

The trip was presented as a fully funded sports event organized by a local agent in Saint Petersburg. 

However, Kibet later realized that he had been persuaded to remain in Russia under the pretext of work. 

Documents he signed, which were in Russian, turned out to be military contracts.

“When I understood what I had signed, I wanted to refuse, but I was warned it could be dangerous for my life,” Kibet explained.

He was moved to a military camp, underwent a week of basic training with Russian instructors who did not speak English, and was given an assault rifle for combat.

Kibet escaped while being transported to his first mission in northern Kharkiv. 

He spent two days in the forest near Vovchansk before surrendering to Ukrainian forces, who treated him humanely.

The case has drawn widespread attention online, highlighting the dangers athletes and travelers can face when lured into unfamiliar situations abroad.