Kenya's Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi has announced plans to engage with Russia over concerning reports that its citizens are being recruited to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Mudavadi condemned the practice as 'unacceptable and clandestine', emphasizing that the Kenyan government is taking steps to deter such illegal recruitment activities.
Recent estimates suggest that around 200 citizens have been influenced to join Russian forces, yet the Kenyan authorities maintain that these recruitments were not processed through official channels. In light of this, Nairobi is pushing for a formal agreement with Moscow to prohibit the conscription of Kenyan nationals.
The Kenyan foreign minister's remarks come at a time when growing tension surrounds the safety of individuals who have reportedly joined the Russian military. Mudavadi stated that measures involving visa policies and labor agreements need to be established to safeguard potential recruits from falling prey to deceptive employment schemes.
With more than 600 recruitment agencies shut down for illegal activities aimed at Kenyans, efforts are underway to assist returning fighters; 27 individuals have already been repatriated, receiving psychological support for their experiences. Concerns persist regarding the fate of those who have died in combat, as families of the deceased struggle to obtain information and repatriate the remains of loved ones.
Amid increasing calls for accountability, the Kenyan government faces scrutiny for allowing clandestine recruitment operations to proliferate. Mudavadi defended the government’s actions, asserting that they are actively dismantling illegal agencies and working towards lawful recruitment solutions.
As international observers note, there’s an alarming trend of foreign nationals from various countries, including several African nations, being drawn into the conflict, raising both ethical and diplomatic questions about military recruitment practices amidst ongoing global hostilities.
