Kenya will engage with Russia after reports that some Kenyans are being recruited to fight in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi called this recruitment “secret and unacceptable.” He said Kenya has already shut down illegal recruitment agencies and plans to ask Russia to sign an agreement preventing Kenyan soldiers from being drafted.
The government estimates that about 200 Kenyans have joined Russian forces, though the exact number is unknown. Mudavadi said none of them went through official channels. He added that Kenya and Russia have shared friendly relations for many years, and this situation is a “sad incident” in otherwise positive ties between the countries.
Kenya’s government is concentrating on halting illegal recruitment. Mudavadi said discussions with Russia will include visa rules and work agreements that clearly forbid military conscription. Authorities have already shut more than 600 agencies that misled Kenyans with promises of jobs abroad. So far, 27 Kenyans who fought for Russia have returned home. They are receiving psychological support to help them deal with trauma and prevent radicalisation.
It is unclear how many Kenyans have died fighting for Russia. Families who reached out to the Russian embassy in Nairobi report a lack of response. Mudavadi explained that repatriating bodies is complicated, as some are in Ukraine, and the Kenyan government is working with Ukrainian authorities to bring them home.
Recent discoveries of more bodies have increased pressure on Kenya to act. Families accuse the government of not regulating recruitment agencies, a claim Mudavadi refutes, asserting that the government is shutting down illegal recruiters.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, over 1,400 people from 36 African countries have been recruited by Russia. Ukraine has also faced criticism for seeking foreign fighters. Officials caution against treating anyone fighting for Russia as an enemy, suggesting that surrender is the most secure course of action.
In a similar case, Russia has promised South Africa it will help return its citizens who joined Russian forces. At least 17 South Africans are reported to be on the front lines.
