Atleast 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Mudavadi said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to receive urgent inquiries from families concerned about relatives reportedly involved in the conflict.
“Reports suggest that over two hundred Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, with some being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” the CS stated. He added that the recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to target African nationals, including Kenyans.
Mudavadi revealed that active recruitment networks are still in place both within Kenyan territory and in Russia, with the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow reporting incidents of nationals being injured or stranded after attempting to enlist.
He cited a multi-agency security raid in Athi River on September 24, 2025, where authorities discovered 21 Kenyans housed while awaiting processing to the war zo
“One agent was arrested for coordinating the processing of Kenyan recruits under the guise of overseas jobs. The agent is presently in court for luring unsuspecting Kenyans to fight in the war,” Mudavadi said, noting that many victims had been promised up to $18,000 (Ksh 2.3 million) for visas, travel, and accommodation.
According to the CS, rescued individuals reported being misled about the nature of their work, which included assembling drones, handling chemicals, and painting tasks, often without proper training or protective equipment.
“These reports are worrying. Kenyans must guard their brothers and sisters against exploitation,” Mudavadi emphasized.
He called on those seeking employment abroad to only use agencies vetted through the Ministry of Labour or the National Employment Authority.
Mudavadi said NEA regulates and accredits recruitment agencies, enforces compliance with the ethical recruitment standards, has pre-departure training, and protects the welfare of workers. The authority also provides accountability in cases of abuse or repatriation, helping protect Kenyans from unscrupulous operators abroad.
The post Mudavadi: Over 200 Kenyans Tricked with $18,000 Pay Offers to Join Russian Military appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
By
By
