Over 200 Kenyans Allegedly Involved in Ukraine Conflict for Russia

Fri Nov 14 2025 00:48:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent statement by Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister highlights the concerning involvement of over 200 Kenyans in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, potentially for the Russian military. This situation raises significant security concerns for the nation.

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has revealed that approximately 200 Kenyans are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with risks of forced recruitment and potential dangers faced by these individuals. The Kenyan government is urging the Ukrainian authorities to assist in recovering those held in conflict zones. Recruitment networks remain active in both Russia and Kenya, creating a critical national security threat.

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 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 in September 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 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, the minister said.

Mudavadi also expressed concerns over the increasing number of nationals recruited into forced criminality such as drug trafficking and forced labour in foreign countries, presenting a serious threat to both national and global security.

In September, Kenyan authorities rescued more than 20 nationals who were preparing to join the Russia-Ukraine war near the capital, Nairobi. One suspect involved in recruiting Kenyans is facing prosecution.

The BBC has found evidence suggesting the Kremlin is trying to expand its influence in Africa, with other nations like South Africa investigating how their citizens ended up in war zones.

The situation underscores the international complexities surrounding recruitment in the ongoing conflict and the safety of individuals drawn into it under dubious circumstances.