Kenyan authorities have exposed a recruitment network allegedly enticing citizens to fight for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine, offering financial incentives of up to $18,000.
According to Business Insider Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that around 200 Kenyans are currently fighting alongside Russian forces.
The ministry revealed that recruitment activities have expanded within both Kenya and Russia, with recruiters promising to cover expenses such as travel, accommodation, and visas.
The Kenyan government also disclosed that its embassy in Moscow has documented several injuries among Kenyan recruits, while about 21 individuals preparing to travel for combat were rescued during a security operation in Nairobi in September.
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This revelation follows President William Ruto’s recent appeal to Ukraine to release detained Kenyan nationals reportedly caught in the crossfire.
Ruto stated that he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed gratitude for Kenya’s cooperation and pledged to combat fraudulent recruitment tactics targeting Africans.
In earlier reports cited by Reuters, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, warned that roughly 1,400 Africans from over 30 countries have joined Russian forces—many allegedly misled into enlisting. He described Russia’s actions as coercing Africans into signing what he called “a death sentence.”
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since reiterated its commitment to curbing the recruitment of its citizens for foreign wars, urging vigilance against false job promises or military contracts.
