Tearfully, Kenyan athlete Evans Kibet has shared his story from captivity in Ukraine, claiming he was deceived into joining the Russian army. The 36-year-old, who was reportedly promised a job, found himself in a military camp after signing papers in Russian that he didn’t fully understand.
Kibet, who was competing in lower-profile races in Europe and Asia, had been struggling financially. A sports agent offered him a trip to Russia for races, an opportunity he eagerly accepted, believing it would be a short trip. However, his situation quickly turned dire when he was allegedly given military papers instead of a contract.
He recounts being told, “Either you go to fight or we’ll kill you.” After a week of basic training, Kibet claims he ditched his equipment and escaped into a forest, eventually surrendering to Ukrainian soldiers. He pleaded, “I am a Kenyan, please don’t shoot me,” as he sought to save his life.
His family in Kenya is in shock and distress upon seeing the video. His brother described him as a humble and dedicated athlete, while his cousin expressed deep trauma. They are appealing to the Kenyan government for help in bringing him home.
Ukrainian authorities have stated they are open to negotiations for Kibet’s repatriation if Kenya expresses interest, but noted that many African nations show little concern for returning citizens in such circumstances. Kibet’s family holds onto hope for his safe return, forgiving any perceived mistakes he may have made.
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