Kenya: Raises Concerns With Russia Over Citizens Recruited To Fight In Ukraine

Kenya to Raise Concerns with Russia Over Citizens Recruited to Fight in Ukraine KENYA Kenya Kenya this week said it plans to seek answers from Russia about its citizens being recruited to fight for Moscow in Ukraine, adding that an estimated 200 nationals had been enlisted, many under false pretenses, the BBC reported. Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi described the recruitment as “unacceptable and clandestine,” calling it “a very unfortunate episode” in what he said had otherwise been positive and cordial relations between Nairobi and Moscow. Kenyan officials said the exact number of its nationals recruited remains unclear, noting that none of the individuals traveled through official government channels. Many of those involved were allegedly misled with promises of jobs abroad and later coerced into joining the conflict, they added. Mudavadi said talks with Russia will focus on halting any illegal recruitment activities, including negotiations over visa policies and bilateral labor agreements that explicitly exclude any form of military conscription. He said the government should not be blamed for illegal recruitment, noting that authorities have shut down more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of deceiving Kenyans with false promises of overseas employment. Kenya has so far repatriated 27 citizens, Mudavadi said, adding that authorities are providing psychological support to address trauma and assist with “de-radicalization.” It is unclear how many Kenyans have died fighting for Russia, and Moscow has not formally addressed such reports. The Russian Embassy in Nairobi has reportedly turned away relatives seeking information about loved ones on the front lines. The controversy comes as both Ukraine and Russia have been accused of recruiting foreign nationals mainly from Asia and Africa to fight for their sides using deceptive tactics, such as promises of employment, scholarships and opportunities to compete in sports events. One such case involves Kenyan long-distance runner Evans Kibet, who said he was tricked into joining the Russian army after traveling there for a track event. The 36-year-old athlete is currently a prisoner of war in Ukraine and recounted his experiences in an interview with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle in November. According to Ukrainian intelligence, more than 1,400 people from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia.