Some 200 Kenyans are fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine and more could be recruited into the conflict, authorities say. Among them are former members of Kenya's security forces, according to Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi. Some of those who have been rescued said they were forced to assemble drones and handle chemicals without proper training or protective gear, the minister added.
Kenyan President William Ruto last week requested the Ukrainian government to secure the release of Kenyans currently held in the conflict zone. About 1,400 Africans are said to be fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with some recruited through deception, the Ukrainian government reported last week. A young Kenyan athlete captured in Ukraine in September described being tricked into joining the Russian army.
Recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African nationals, including Kenyans. Mudavadi noted that over 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, emphasizing that recruitment networks remain active in both Kenya and Russia. The Kenyan embassy in Moscow is aware of injuries among recruits who were allegedly promised substantial payments to cover travel, visa, and living expenses.
The minister expressed serious concerns over the increasing number of Kenyans recruited into forced criminality such as drug trafficking and human trafficking in foreign countries. He also highlighted that these crimes pose significant threats not only to national security in Kenya but also to global stability.
In September, Kenyan authorities rescued more than 20 nationals preparing to join the Russia-Ukraine war near Nairobi, leading to the arrest of one individual suspected of coordinating these recruitment efforts. The BBC has uncovered evidence indicating that the Kremlin is attempting to bolster its influence in Africa, with other nations like South Africa investigating their citizens’ involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. Various African nationals, including those from Somalia and Sierra Leone, are reportedly being held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps as well.
Kenyan President William Ruto last week requested the Ukrainian government to secure the release of Kenyans currently held in the conflict zone. About 1,400 Africans are said to be fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with some recruited through deception, the Ukrainian government reported last week. A young Kenyan athlete captured in Ukraine in September described being tricked into joining the Russian army.
Recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African nationals, including Kenyans. Mudavadi noted that over 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, emphasizing that recruitment networks remain active in both Kenya and Russia. The Kenyan embassy in Moscow is aware of injuries among recruits who were allegedly promised substantial payments to cover travel, visa, and living expenses.
The minister expressed serious concerns over the increasing number of Kenyans recruited into forced criminality such as drug trafficking and human trafficking in foreign countries. He also highlighted that these crimes pose significant threats not only to national security in Kenya but also to global stability.
In September, Kenyan authorities rescued more than 20 nationals preparing to join the Russia-Ukraine war near Nairobi, leading to the arrest of one individual suspected of coordinating these recruitment efforts. The BBC has uncovered evidence indicating that the Kremlin is attempting to bolster its influence in Africa, with other nations like South Africa investigating their citizens’ involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. Various African nationals, including those from Somalia and Sierra Leone, are reportedly being held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps as well.
