In brief
Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has confirmed that more than 200 Kenyans are engaged in the war in Ukraine fighting for Russian forces, some under dubious recruitment practices. This situation follows recent rescue operations by Kenyan officials aimed at curbing the flow of nationals to conflict regions.
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 Africans are said to be fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with some recruited through deception, the Ukraine government said last week.
A young Kenyan athlete was captured in Ukraine and said 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. 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) for visas, travel, and accommodation.
Mudavadi also expressed concerns about the increasing number of nationals recruited into forced criminality like drug trafficking and forced labor in foreign countries. These crimes present a serious threat to not only the national security of Kenya but to global security as well.
In September, Kenyan authorities rescued more than 20 nationals who were preparing to join the Russia-Ukraine war near Nairobi. One recruitment coordinator was arrested in connection with the scheme.
Evidence suggests the Kremlin is working to expand its influence in Africa, with investigations ongoing in countries like South Africa regarding its citizens' involvement in the conflict.
