Kenya’s foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi, will travel to Moscow next month after Nairobi condemned alleged recruiters accused of luring Kenyans to Russia with promises of well-paid jobs, only for some to end up fighting in Ukraine. Authorities say reports have grown of Kenyan nationals dying or being seriously wounded after being misled into signing Russian military contracts, often written in Russian. An investigation detailed cases of civilians including jobseekers who expected roles in sales, security, or sports, who were reportedly sent to front-line combat with little preparation.
Mudavadi said Kenya has recorded fatalities and plans to press Russia to curb the practice, secure the release of Kenyans held as prisoners of war, and verify the condition of those hospitalized. Over 30 Kenyans have been evacuated from Russia in the past two months, while local recruitment agencies suspected of involvement have been shut down.
Officials estimate at least 200 Kenyans may have been sent to the conflict, though returnees suggest the number could be higher. Junior Foreign Affairs official Korir Sing’Oei described the pattern as “unacceptable,” saying victims appeared to be exploited as expendable fighters. The issue mirrors concerns elsewhere in Africa. South Africa confirmed it is also working with Moscow to repatriate citizens allegedly recruited into the conflict after receiving distress calls from men trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
