Some 200 Kenyans are fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine and more could be recruited into the conflict, authorities say. Among them are former members of Kenya's security forces, according to Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
Some of those who have been rescued said they were forced to assemble drones and handle chemicals without proper training or protective gear, the minister added.
Kenyan President William Ruto last week requested the Ukrainian government to secure the release of Kenyans currently held in the conflict zone.
About 1,400 citizens from across Africa are reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with some recruited through deception.
A young Kenyan athlete was in September captured in Ukraine and stated that he had been tricked into joining the Russian army.
Recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African nationals, including Kenyans, said Mudavadi in a press conference on Wednesday. Over 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military... recruitment networks are still active in both Kenya and Russia, he added.
Kenya's embassy in Moscow has recorded injuries among some of the recruits, who were allegedly promised up to $18,000 (£14,000) to cover costs for visas, travel, and accommodation.
Mudavadi also expressed grave concerns about the increasing number of nationals being recruited into forced criminality such as drug trafficking and forced labor abroad. These crimes represent a serious threat to Kenya's national security and global stability.
In September, Kenyan authorities rescued over 20 nationals who were preparing to join the war near Nairobi, arresting a suspect coordinating recruitment efforts.
Reports indicate that the Kremlin is actively working to expand its influence in Africa, drawing attention to a complex web of international recruitment and exploitation.
