Evans Kibet, a 36-year-old Kenyan athlete, has become a prisoner in Ukraine after claiming he was misled into joining the Russian army. In a video released by the Ukrainian military, Kibet expresses fear of being sent back to Russia, stating, “I will die there.” He has a 16-year-old daughter and recounts that he was tricked into military service while seeking better opportunities in athletics.
Kibet alleges he initially traveled to Russia for a promised job related to athletics but soon found himself in a military camp, where he was coerced into joining the army under threat. He disclosed that he signed documents in Russian, unaware they pertained to military service. He subsequently attempted to escape, wandering through forests before being captured by Ukrainian forces.
Petro Yatsenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s treatment of prisoners, noted that many foreign recruits in the Russian military come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and may have been deceived into joining. Kibet’s situation has sparked concern among his family and friends in Kenya, who are grappling with the distressing video of his captivity.
His cousin, Edith Chesoi, expressed her trauma over his situation, while his brother, Isaac Kipyego, described Kibet as modest and a supportive family member dedicated to his sport. Kibet had long been involved in running, competing in lesser-known events in Europe and Asia, but struggled financially.
Kibet’s family is now appealing to the Kenyan government for assistance, although a spokesperson from the Ukrainian side indicated that many African nations show little interest in repatriating their citizens held as prisoners of war. Meanwhile, Kibet’s family remains hopeful for his safe return.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79vqpnqgy7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss