A fresh intelligence report presented to Kenya’s parliament has revealed that more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine, with many allegedly deceived into signing military contracts.
The joint investigation, conducted by Kenya’s National Intelligence Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, significantly revises earlier estimates. In December, authorities had placed the number at about 200. The updated figure — “over 1,000” — points to a far more extensive recruitment network than previously known.
How Kenyans Are Being Recruited
According to the report, many recruits were enticed with promises of high-paying overseas jobs. Instead, they were reportedly deployed to the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Parliament Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah told lawmakers that most recruits travelled on tourist visas, transiting through Istanbul, Turkey, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE before entering Russia. Increased scrutiny at Nairobi’s main airport has reportedly pushed recruiters to route candidates through other African countries to avoid detection.
The report also alleges that unlicensed recruitment agencies are colluding with rogue airport officials to facilitate departures.
Casualties and Diplomatic Response
Lawmakers disclosed that at least 39 Kenyans are hospitalised, 28 are missing in action, and 89 are currently fighting on the front line.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, is expected to visit Moscow next month to address the issue. The government has condemned the alleged exploitation of its citizens as “cannon fodder.”
Other African nations, including Uganda and South Africa, are also reportedly being targeted as Russia seeks foreign recruits amid heavy battlefield losses.
