Over 200 Kenyans recruited into Russian military - Gov't reveals

More than two hundred Kenyans may have joined the Russian military since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said.

Speaking during a press address on Wednesday, Mudavadi said the ministry has continued to receive inquiries from families regarding relatives allegedly involved in the conflict.

“Reports suggest that over two hundred Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, with some being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” said the CS, adding that recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African nationals, including Kenyans.

Mudavadi noted that it is estimated that recruitment networks are still active in both Kenya and Russia, with the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow reporting injuries among nationals and others stranded after attempting recruitment into the war efforts.

He cited the September 24, 2025 multiagency security-led raid in Athi River, where 21 Kenyans were found housed awaiting processing to the warzone.

“One agent was arrested for coordinating the processing of Kenyan recruits under the guise of overseas jobs. The agent is presently in court for luring unsuspecting Kenyans to fight in the war,” said Mudavadi, who also doubles as the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

According to intelligence sources, Mudavadi noted, victims are reportedly signing contracts with unscrupulous agencies with promises of payment of up to $18,000 (Ksh.2.7 million) for Visas, travel, and accommodation.

“Unfortunately, those who have been rescued have said they were misled about the nature of the work they were to do including assembling drones, handling chemicals, and painting works without proper training or protective gear,” he stated.

The CS termed the reports worrying, saying Kenyans must guard their brothers and sisters against being exploited.

“To mitigate this, the government further continues to encourage all Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad to do so through agencies that have been vetted by the Ministry of Labour as well as through the National Employment Agency (NEA),” he said.

Mudavadi explained that NEA is tasked with regulating and accrediting recruitment agencies, as well as ensuring compliance with ethical recruitment standards, conducting pre-departure training and safeguarding the welfare of workers and accountability in cases of abuse or repatriation.