Kenya has announced plans to formally confront Russia over what it describes as the “unacceptable” recruitment of Kenyan citizens into combat roles in the war in Ukraine. The issue came to a head this week after mounting reports that Kenyans who do not have any military background were being lured abroad with promises of lucrative jobs, only to be signed up into Russian military ranks and sent to active combat zones in Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government is concerned about reports that Kenyans were lured abroad with promises of lucrative jobs, only to be deployed into active military service. Nairobi estimates that about 200 Kenyans may have been recruited, though the exact number remains unclear.
Mudavadi confirmed he will seek direct engagement with Russian officials to demand clarity and push for measures to prevent Kenyan nationals from being enlisted into foreign conflicts. The government has already shut down more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of duping Kenyans with job offers overseas, and the government has undertaken efforts to rescue and repatriate affected citizens, including those wounded or stranded in conflict zones.
So far, several Kenyans have reportedly been rescued and repatriated, with authorities promising support and rehabilitation.
Kenya maintains that while it values its diplomatic relationship with Russia, the protection of its citizens abroad remains a top priority.
