Kenya has announced plans to engage with Russia over the disturbing reports of its nationals being recruited to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine. In a recent statement, Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi described the recruitment as unacceptable and clandestine, emphasizing that Nairobi had already taken steps to shut down illegal recruitment operations.
The Kenyan government estimates that around 200 citizens may have been enlisted to join Russian forces, but official channels have not confirmed this. Mudavadi expressed concerns about the implications for Kenya-Russia relations, marking this ongoing situation as a misstep in a historically positive diplomatic relationship.
Efforts are underway by Kenyan authorities to confront Russia directly, seeking to establish agreements that would prevent the conscription of Kenyan citizens into foreign militaries. So far, 27 Kenyans who had fought for Russia have been repatriated, with the government providing psychological support to help them process their experiences.
As pressure mounts from families of recruits seeking answers about their loved ones, the foreign minister stressed the necessity of regulating recruitment agencies and maintaining open lines of communication with Russia to ensure illegal practices are eradicated. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials continue to warn against the consequences faced by foreign nationals fighting for Russia, urging them to reconsider their choices amidst the ongoing conflict.
The Kenyan government estimates that around 200 citizens may have been enlisted to join Russian forces, but official channels have not confirmed this. Mudavadi expressed concerns about the implications for Kenya-Russia relations, marking this ongoing situation as a misstep in a historically positive diplomatic relationship.
Efforts are underway by Kenyan authorities to confront Russia directly, seeking to establish agreements that would prevent the conscription of Kenyan citizens into foreign militaries. So far, 27 Kenyans who had fought for Russia have been repatriated, with the government providing psychological support to help them process their experiences.
As pressure mounts from families of recruits seeking answers about their loved ones, the foreign minister stressed the necessity of regulating recruitment agencies and maintaining open lines of communication with Russia to ensure illegal practices are eradicated. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials continue to warn against the consequences faced by foreign nationals fighting for Russia, urging them to reconsider their choices amidst the ongoing conflict.
