Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has revealed that more than 200 Kenyan nationals including former soldiers are believed to be fighting for Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mudavadi cautioned citizens against falling victim to recruitment networks that continue to lure Kenyans into the conflict under false pretences.
According to the ministry, Kenya’s embassy in Moscow has documented cases of injuries among some recruits, who were reportedly promised up to $18,000 to cover visa fees, travel arrangements, and accommodation.
The disclosure comes after Ukraine announced last week that more than 1,400 Africans from over 30 countries are currently fighting alongside Russian forces.
President William Ruto has also spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, appealing for the release of Kenyan nationals detained within the conflict zone.
In a related development, South Africa said earlier this month that it was working to repatriate 17 citizens stranded in Ukraine after being persuaded to join the war as mercenaries with promises of lucrative pay. Authorities said the group was abandoned on the battlefield in the Donbas region.
