Wayne Lumbasi
Kenya’s government has raised concern over reports that more than 200 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said the figure is based on information gathered through Kenya’s embassy in Moscow and ongoing investigations into recruitment networks targeting young Kenyans.
According to the ministry, some of those who travelled to Russia were lured with promises of jobs paying up to $18,000, covering travel, visas, and accommodation. Several recruits believed they were signing up for non-combat roles, including drone assembly, chemical handling, and basic technical work. Others thought they were being offered construction or factory jobs. Instead, many found themselves in military-linked duties without proper training or safety equipment.
Kenya’s embassy has already recorded cases of injuries among those who made the journey, with families back home reporting that they lost contact with their relatives shortly after arrival in Russia. The government says recruitment agents operate both locally and abroad, often using social media and informal job brokers to reach their targets.
In September, Kenyan authorities intercepted a group of 21 youths in Athi River who were allegedly being prepared for deployment. One suspected recruiter was arrested, and investigations are ongoing to identify more members of the network.
Mudavadi urged Kenyans to avoid unverified overseas job offers and to rely only on registered recruitment agencies. He warned that some citizens taken abroad under false promises may be exposed to human trafficking, forced labour, or forced involvement in criminal activities, posing risks both to their safety and to Kenya’s national security.
The warning comes as international reports indicate that hundreds of Africans from different countries have been drawn into the conflict through similar deceptive schemes.
REPORTED PREVIOUSLY
AFRICANS CLAIM THEY WERE DECEIVED INTO BUILDING DRONES FOR UKRAINE AFTER RECRUITMENT FOR RUSSIAN JOBS
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