Over 200 Kenyans Reportedly Join Russian Forces in Ukraine Conflict

Thu Nov 13 2025 17:03:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Kenyan authorities express concern as more than 200 nationals are believed to be participating in the war alongside Russian troops, with allegations of coercion and dangerous working conditions.

Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced that over 200 Kenyans are currently fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with former security personnel among them. Reports suggest that these recruits have faced hazardous conditions without proper training. The Kenyan government has initiated efforts to recover nationals trapped in the conflict and is alarmed by the ongoing recruitment efforts targeting Kenyans through deception, as well as involvement in other illicit activities abroad.

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 reported being 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 reportedly recruited through deception.

A young Kenyan athlete captured in Ukraine earlier had claimed he was 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. 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 noted that injuries among some recruits had been recorded, with promises of compensations of up to $18,000 for covering costs related to visas and travel.

Mudavadi expressed concerns about the rising number of Kenyans drawn into forced criminality such as drug trafficking and forced labor abroad, highlighting the threat they pose not only to Kenya's national security but also to global security.

In September, Kenyan authorities rescued over 20 nationals preparing to join the war near Nairobi. One suspect connected to the recruitment efforts was arrested and is awaiting prosecution.

The Kremlin is reportedly trying to expand its influence in Africa.

Citizens of several African countries are currently held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps, with campaigns to recruit foreign nationals, including from Africa, highlighted.