Kenya’s foreign affairs minister has revealed that more than 200 Kenyans, including former soldiers, are believed to be fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Musalia Mudavadi issued a strong warning on Wednesday, urging citizens to be cautious as recruitment agencies continue to lure people into the conflict with deceptive promises.
According to the ministry, Kenya’s embassy in Moscow has reported several injuries among the recruits, many of whom were allegedly promised up to $18,000 to cover visa, travel, and accommodation expenses.
Last week, Ukraine announced that over 1,400 individuals from about 30 African countries are currently fighting for Russia in the war.
Kenyan President William Ruto has reportedly spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, requesting the release of Kenyans detained within the conflict zones.
In a related case, South Africa said earlier this month it was working to bring home 17 of its citizens stranded in Ukraine. Authorities said they had been persuaded to join as mercenaries with promises of high pay, only to be abandoned on the battlefields in the Donbas region.
