More than 200 Kenyans Reportedly Fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Government Warns

Kenyan officials say 200+ nationals may be fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Kenyan authorities have told reporters that more than 200 Kenyan nationals may be fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine, and that recruitment networks remain active in both Kenya and Russia. Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said the group includes former members of Kenya's security forces.

Several Kenyans who have been rescued described being deceived and coerced into tasks for which they had no training or protection. "Some were forced to assemble drones and handle hazardous chemicals without proper training or protective equipment," Mudavadi said at a press conference. The Kenyan embassy in Moscow has also recorded injuries among some recruits.

"Over 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military... recruitment networks are still active in both Kenya and Russia," — Musalia Mudavadi, Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister.

The government says some recruits were allegedly promised up to $18,000 to cover visas, travel and accommodation costs. Officials warn the recruitment networks may also be channeling nationals into "forced criminality," including drug trafficking and forced labour in other countries — trends they describe as a threat to national and global security.

In September, Kenyan authorities rescued more than 20 nationals who were preparing to travel to join the conflict near Nairobi. One person suspected of coordinating the recruitment of Kenyans to Russia has been arrested and faces prosecution.

Regional context

Ukraine has said that roughly 1,400 citizens from across Africa are fighting alongside Russian forces, and that some were recruited through deception. Petro Yatsenko, a Ukrainian spokesperson on prisoner treatment, told the BBC that citizens of Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba and Sri Lanka, among others, are currently held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war facilities.

Meanwhile, Kyiv has previously faced criticism for efforts to recruit foreign nationals to fight on its side. Observers have also raised concerns about wider efforts by the Kremlin to expand influence in Africa, with countries such as South Africa investigating how their citizens ended up in combat zones.

President William Ruto has urged the Ukrainian government to assist in securing the release of Kenyans currently detained in the conflict zone.

Note: This article summarises government statements and reporting from international sources. Details remain subject to verification as investigations continue.