Kenya’s foreign affairs minister has reported that sixteen Kenyan nationals are currently missing in Russia after enlisting in the country’s armed forces. Concurrently, 47 other Kenyans have successfully returned to their home country after serving on the front lines in Ukraine.
During a session with a Senate committee, Musalia Mudavadi, the minister for foreign affairs, stated that an additional thirty-eight Kenyans are receiving medical attention in various Russian hospitals, with their access being restricted. He noted that the number of missing Kenyans had increased from ten to sixteen within the preceding twenty-four hours. The current whereabouts and well-being of these individuals remain unknown.
The minister further estimated that approximately 165 Kenyans are actively engaged in military operations. This figure contributes to a total of over 250 Kenyans who have participated in the conflict in Ukraine. Mudavadi acknowledged that the overall number of Kenyan involvement could potentially be higher. Additionally, he disclosed that two Kenyan citizens are being held as prisoners of war by Ukrainian forces.
These recruits had reportedly entered into contracts stipulating service in either logistical support roles or direct combat positions. Mudavadi informed the committee of lawmakers that, contrary to some prevailing reports, the majority of Kenyans who enlisted did so with full awareness and of their own volition. He highlighted that the prospect of substantial financial rewards, ranging from $11,500 to $23,000 upon enlistment, coupled with a monthly salary of up to $2,700, a potential path to citizenship, and a significant gratuity upon contract completion, served as a primary incentive for many.
The minister identified several agencies operating in Kenya, Russia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates as being involved in facilitating these enlistments. In response to these developments, Kenya has initiated an investigation into the clandestine recruitment of its citizens for service in the war in Ukraine.
Previously, in February, Mudavadi had informed the BBC that Kenyan authorities had initiated actions against over 600 recruitment agencies suspected of defrauding Kenyans by offering false promises of overseas employment. That same month, families with relatives believed to be fighting in Ukraine organized a demonstration outside the parliament building in Nairobi, urging government intervention and the safe return of their loved ones.
In mid-March, Mudavadi convened a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow. The objective was to address and cease the ongoing recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian army. Following these discussions, both nations reached an agreement to put an end to the recruitment activities. Lavrov commented during the meeting that citizens of Kenya, akin to those of other countries, had voluntarily entered into contracts with the Russian armed forces.
Mudavadi informed the lawmakers that the ministry is diligently monitoring the evolving situation. Efforts are focused on safeguarding the welfare of Kenyan nationals and preventing further instances of exploitative recruitment practices. A Ukrainian intelligence assessment suggests that over 1,700 individuals from 36 different African nations have been recruited for service with Russian forces. Ukraine has also been actively seeking recruits globally. On a recent Wednesday, an X feed from Ukraine highlighted a drone operator identified as “Cobra,” reportedly of Nigerian origin.