NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan authorities have confirmed that approximately 200 Kenyan nationals are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in the war against Ukraine, with the potential for further recruitment into the ongoing conflict.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi stated on Wednesday that the recruits include former members of Kenya’s own security forces.
He added that some rescued recruits have reported being forced into hazardous tasks, including assembling drones and handling dangerous chemicals, often without proper training or protective gear.
Active recruitment and deception
The CS revealed that recruitment networks remain active, operating both within Kenya and Russia.
“Over 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military… recruitment networks are still active in both Kenya and Russia,” Mudavadi said in a press conference.
This update follows a claim last week by the Ukrainian government that approximately 1,400 citizens from across Africa are fighting on the Russian side, with some having been recruited through deceptive means.
The issue gained international attention in September when a young Kenyan athlete was captured in Ukraine and claimed he had been tricked into joining the Russian military.
The Kenyan embassy in Moscow has recorded instances of injuries among some of the recruits.
According to the minister, the recruits were allegedly promised payments of up to $18,000 (£14,000) to cover costs such as visas, travel, and accommodation.
Government response and broader concerns
The Kenyan government has taken official steps to address the crisis.
Last week, President William Ruto requested the Ukrainian government to assist in securing the release of Kenyans currently held in the conflict zone.
The minister also voiced broader government concerns regarding an escalating pattern of Kenyans being recruited into what he termed “forced criminality” in foreign nations, including forced labor and drug trafficking.
“These crimes present a serious threat to not only the national security of Kenya but to global security as well,” Mudavadi warned.
In a related development in September, Kenyan authorities successfully rescued more than 20 nationals who were preparing to join the war near the capital, Nairobi.
Furthermore, one individual suspected of coordinating the recruitment scheme was arrested and is facing prosecution.
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The BBC has also reported evidence suggesting that the Kremlin is working to expand its sphere of influence across Africa.
The issue of African nationals in the conflict zone is widespread:
- South Africa recently launched an investigation into 17 of its citizens who ended up in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
- Citizens of Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka, among others, are currently being held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps, according to Petro Yatsenko, Ukraine’s spokesperson on the treatment of prisoners of war.
It is noted that Ukraine has also faced criticism in the past for attempting to recruit foreign nationals, including Africans, to fight on its side.
