Kenya has announced plans to formally engage the Russian government over concerns that its citizens are being drawn into the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi disclosed in an interview with the BBC that Nairobi considers the alleged recruitment of Kenyans into the war both “unacceptable” and covert.
He described the situation as an unfortunate development in what has otherwise been a long-standing and cordial relationship between Kenya and Russia, dating back to Kenya’s independence.
Don’t Miss This: Toyin Abraham’s Hits Major Milestone, Crosses ₦1bn Mark
According to Mudavadi, the Kenyan government is pressing Moscow to clamp down on unlawful recruitment networks and ensure that Kenyan nationals are not enlisted into military service.
Discussions are expected to cover bilateral labour agreements and visa arrangements, with clear exclusions for any form of military conscription.
Government estimates suggest that about 200 Kenyans may have been coerced into fighting on Russia’s side in the conflict, though officials acknowledge there is no verified official tally.
The issue has sparked public anger in Kenya, with growing allegations of human trafficking schemes exploiting vulnerable citizens.
Authorities have responded by shutting down more than 600 recruitment agencies accused of deceiving Kenyans with promises of overseas jobs.
So far, 27 Kenyans who had reportedly been involved in the conflict have been deported back home. The government says it is providing them with psychological support and rehabilitation to address trauma and help reintegrate them into society.
Mudavadi also revealed the emotional toll on families, noting that some relatives have been unable to bury loved ones whose remains are still abroad.
He said Kenya is working with both Russian and Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the repatriation of bodies where possible, depending on where they were recovered.
The controversy follows earlier investigations linking individuals in Kenya to alleged recruitment networks.
In September, the Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied claims that one of its nationals had been detained over such activities, stating he had only been questioned before leaving the country on a scheduled trip.
The broader allegations suggest that vulnerable Africans may have been targeted through deceptive offers, including promises of employment, scholarships, or athletic opportunities.
One widely reported case involves a Kenyan athlete who claimed he was lured to Russia under the pretext of competing in sports, only to be forced into military service and later captured in Ukraine.
As investigations continue, Kenyan authorities have intensified intelligence operations targeting transnational criminal networks suspected of facilitating such recruitment. Nairobi maintains that protecting its citizens from exploitation in foreign conflicts remains a top priority.
