In brief
Under pressure from families of Kenyans participating in the war in Ukraine, the Kenyan government has received assurances from Russia to halt further recruitment and is now offering amnesty to those who return. The foreign ministry estimates that 252 Kenyans are involved, with some reportedly lured by false job offers. Efforts will also be made to combat human trafficking linked to this recruitment.
Kenyans enlisted to fight for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine will be granted amnesty upon their return home, as confirmed by the country's foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi.
This announcement follows Mudavadi's recent visit to Moscow, where discussions led to a mutual agreement that no further Kenyans would be recruited for the conflict. Under Kenyan law, it is illegal for citizens to serve in foreign armies, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison for those who do.
According to the foreign ministry, approximately 252 Kenyans have been illegally conscripted into the conflict, a trend that has been emerging over the past six months and also involves recruits from other African nations.
It has been reported that many Kenyans were enticed to join the Russian forces with promises of lucrative civilian job opportunities, only to find themselves conscripted into combat roles, often without fully understanding the contracts they were signing.
So far, 44 Kenyans have returned home safely, while 11 are reported missing or killed. Additionally, 38 remain hospitalized in various Russian medical facilities, and 160 are still actively serving. The Kenyan government is negotiating the safe return of those unwilling to continue their involvement in the conflict.
In light of growing public pressure from families of recruits, Mudavadi's commitment to put Kenya on a 'stop list' to prevent further recruitment highlights the government's dedication to addressing this alarming issue while ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Furthermore, an emphasis will be placed on countering human trafficking and illegal recruitment practices linked to recruitment for the conflict.
