Over 1,000 Kenyans lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine war

A total of 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine, according to BBC News and agencies on February 19th.

This is according to a new intelligence report that alleges collusion between rogue state officials and human trafficking syndicates. The report, submitted to parliament by Kenya’s National Intelligence Service, states that 89 Kenyans were on the front lines as of February.

At least one has been killed, while dozens have returned home injured or traumatised. Others remain missing or in Russian military camps.

Lawmakers were told that a “deeply disturbing” network of recruitment agencies has allegedly worked with rogue airport staff, immigration officers, investigators and employment officials to facilitate the travel of recruits.

Some agencies are also accused of colluding with staff at the Russian Embassy in Nairobi and Kenya’s embassy in Moscow to secure visas — allegations strongly denied by Russian officials.

In a statement, the Russian embassy described the claims as “dangerous and misleading”, insisting it had never issued visas to Kenyans intending to join what Moscow calls its “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine.

The embassy added that while Russia does not actively recruit foreigners, its laws allow foreign nationals legally in the country to enlist voluntarily.

The intelligence report outlines how recruiters primarily target former military personnel, ex-police officers, and unemployed men aged 20 to 50.

Promised monthly salaries of up to KSh350,000 ($2,400) and large bonuses, many reportedly arrive in Russia expecting security jobs, only to be sent to frontline combat roles after as little as three weeks of training.

Initially, recruits departed via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using tourist visas, transiting through Turkey and the UAE. As surveillance increased, traffickers reportedly shifted routes through South Africa, Uganda and other neighbouring countries.

Kenya’s foreign ministry says more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of deceptive practices have been shut down, and 27 Kenyans have been repatriated and are receiving psychological support.

Officials say investigations are ongoing, with further arrests expected as pressure mounts on the government to stem the flow of recruits into the conflict.

BBC News and agencies, Maghrebi.org