Russian Embassy says Lyapin only gave a statement at DCI offices before leaving Kenya.
The Russian Embassy in Nairobi has dismissed claims that citizen Andrei Lyapin was detained by Kenyan police. The mission stated on Saturday that Lyapin was only escorted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to record a statement about his business dealings.
According to the embassy, after completing all procedures, Lyapin left the country on September 26 as earlier planned. Officials from the mission said they ensured his rights were respected and that he received both consular and legal assistance.
The embassy added that it had not been officially contacted by Kenyan authorities regarding any accusations against Lyapin. It also emphasised that Lyapin had no connection to Russian state agencies or the diplomatic office in Nairobi.
This clarification came after reports in the Kenyan press suggesting Lyapin had been arrested. The claims followed a police operation in Nairobi where apartments were raided and 22 Kenyan citizens were allegedly preparing for a trip to Moscow.
During the raid, investigators reportedly recovered recruitment materials, job offer letters, and travel documents. The BBC highlighted the incident as part of ongoing investigations into human trafficking networks.
In a related case, Kenyan authorities have detained Edward Kamau Gituku, accused of running a trafficking network that allegedly sent victims to Russia. Kahawa Law Courts directed that he be held for ten days at Muthaiga Police Station as investigations continue.
Detectives suspect the operation was promising Kenyans jobs abroad, but later subjected them to exploitation once they arrived in Russia. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to dismantle the trafficking ring.
