Kenya said Wednesday that more than 200 of its nationals have joined Russian forces fighting in the ongoing war in Ukraine, warning that recruitment networks targeting Kenyans remain active.
“Reports suggest that over two hundred Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, with some being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said in a statement published on the Foreign Ministry’s website.
He described the situation as “extremely worrying” and urged citizens to be cautious of overseas job offers that appear “unrealistically attractive,” saying many of those recruited had been deceived with promises of high-paying employment opportunities abroad.
According to Ukrainian authorities, more than 1,400 citizens from over 30 African countries are currently fighting alongside Russian forces, with several reportedly recruited through fraudulent means.
Last week, Kenyan President William Ruto, in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, requested the release of Kenyans detained in the conflict zone.
On Nov. 6, South Africa’s Presidency said diplomatic efforts were underway to repatriate 17 South Africans who had been persuaded to become mercenaries in Ukraine’s Donbas region after being promised high salaries.