Over 1,000 Kenyans recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine

By Ahmet Taş / Wise News Press

NAIROBI, KENYA — The Kenya National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed that illegal agencies lured over 1,000 citizens into the Russia-Ukraine war through false promises of lucrative security and logistics positions abroad.

In a startling report submitted to the Kenyan parliament, the intelligence agency detailed how these rogue organizations targeted former military and police officers, alongside young civilians, with promises of high pay and Russian citizenship. The disclosure has sparked significant concern among lawmakers regarding the safety of Kenyan nationals and the methods used to bypass national security checkpoints.

False promises of security and logistics

Recruitment agencies primarily focused on individuals aged between 20 and 50, specifically those with prior security experience. According to the report, these recruits were promised a monthly salary of approximately 300,000 Kenyan shillings (roughly $2,300), along with bonuses ranging from 900,000 to 1.2 million shillings ($7,000 to $9,300).

Kimani Ichung’wah, the Leader of the Majority Party in the National Assembly, informed members that many of these individuals traveled under the impression that they were heading for stable, high-paying jobs in the logistics and security sectors. Instead, many found themselves deployed to active combat zones.

Tactics to bypass airport security

The report noted that while some recruits traveled directly from Kenya, others moved through the diaspora. Due to increased surveillance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), agencies began utilizing transit visas to minimize the risk of being intercepted by local authorities. This tactical shift has made it increasingly difficult for the government to track the total number of citizens participating in the Russian military efforts.

Casualties and missing persons

The humanitarian cost of this recruitment has already begun to manifest. Ichung’wah confirmed that 39 Kenyans are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals, while 30 have been successfully repatriated. Furthermore, 28 individuals have been reported missing, 35 are currently residing in camps, and 89 are confirmed to be at the front lines.

One individual is reportedly in detention. There are also claims that several Kenyans managed to flee the conflict zones with the assistance of the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow.

Parliamentary outcry for action

The revelations have met with shock and indignation in the parliament. Joseph Makilap, the Member of Parliament for Baringo North, expressed his disbelief at the organized transport of Kenyans to Moscow to fight against Ukraine, an act he described as a violation of sovereignty and safety.

Makilap called upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Intelligence Service to take swift and effective measures to dismantle these illegal recruitment networks. The government is now under pressure to provide better protection for its citizens and to monitor the activities of employment agencies more rigorously to prevent further exploitation.

www.wisenewspress.com