Kenya Condemns Deceptive Recruitment of Citizens for Russia’s War in Ukraine

The Kenyan government has strongly condemned the ongoing recruitment of its citizens by Russian agents under false pretenses, only to deploy them as soldiers in the war against Ukraine.

Authorities described the practice as “unacceptable,” accusing recruiters of luring Kenyans with promises of lucrative jobs abroad before forcing them into military service as “cannon fodder.”

This comes amid growing reports of Kenyans dying or suffering severe injuries on the front lines in Ukraine after being deceived into traveling to Russia.

A Web of Deception

According to a recent AFP investigation, several Kenyan men with no military experience were tricked into signing Russian-language contracts with the army after being promised roles such as security guards, salesmen, or professional athletes. Once in Russia, they were swiftly sent to the conflict zone.

“These individuals are used as cannon fodder on the war front,” said Korir Sing’Oei, Kenya’s junior foreign minister. “No Kenyan would voluntarily enter into that kind of engagement.”

Official Response and Action

Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced plans to travel to Moscow for direct talks aimed at ending the recruitment and securing the release of Kenyans held as prisoners of war. He also stated that over 30 Kenyans have been evacuated from Russia in the past two months and that deceptive recruitment agencies within Kenya have been shut down.

The government estimates that around 200 citizens have been sent to fight in Ukraine, with at least 23 repatriated so far—though survivors believe the true number is higher.

Families of the affected individuals have begun speaking out, demanding urgent government intervention. In Nairobi, 72-year-old Charles Ojiambo Mutoka recently displayed portraits of his son, Oscar, who was killed in August after being recruited under false pretenses.

Kenya continues to urge its citizens to exercise extreme caution regarding overseas job offers and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting nationals from exploitation in foreign conflicts.