By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 12 November 2025 - At least 200 Kenyans have reportedly joined the Russian military to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mudavadi revealed that the government has received increasing reports and inquiries from families whose relatives may have been lured into joining the war under false promises.
“Reports suggest that over two hundred Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, with some being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” Mudavadi said.
“Recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African nationals, including Kenyans.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that active recruitment networks are still operating both in Kenya and Russia. Kenya’s embassy in Moscow has documented cases of injured nationals and others stranded after being misled by unlicensed agencies promising high pay and travel support.
According to intelligence reports, some Kenyans were offered up to $18,000 (about KSh 2.7 million) to cover visa, travel, and accommodation expenses. However, many later discovered that they were being sent to the warfront rather than for non-combat roles like drone assembly, painting, or chemical handling as they were told.
In September 2025, Kenyan security officers raided a house in Athi River and rescued 21 young Kenyans who were awaiting deployment to Russia. One suspect, believed to be the coordinator of the illegal recruitment, was arrested and charged in court.
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Mudavadi described the situation as deeply worrying and urged Kenyans to be cautious about overseas job offers that seem too good to be true.
“The government continues to encourage all Kenyans seeking employment abroad to use agencies vetted by the Ministry of Labour or through the National Employment Authority (NEA),” he said.
“NEA is responsible for accrediting recruitment agencies, ensuring ethical practices, and safeguarding the welfare of Kenyan workers abroad.”
The Kenyan government has also raised concerns with Russian authorities over the matter and is working to trace citizens who may already be in conflict zones.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry recently claimed that over 1,400 Africans from about 30 countries are fighting alongside Russian forces, many allegedly recruited through deception, describing the contracts they sign as “a death sentence.”
