The Kenyan government has announced its intention to confront Russia over the troubling reports that its citizens are being secretly recruited to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine. In an interview, Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi described the practice as unacceptable and clandestine, emphasizing that Nairobi has already taken steps to shut down illegal recruitment operations.
Recent estimates suggest that around 200 Kenyan nationals might have been recruited, although the exact number remains unclear, as the government insists that none of these individuals traveled through official channels. Mudavadi pointed to the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Kenya and Russia, describing the situation as a regrettable incident amid generally positive interactions.
To bolster its stance, the Kenyan government plans to negotiate with Moscow to establish agreements that prohibit the conscription of Kenyan citizens into military service. Mudavadi disclosed that more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of misleading Kenyans in search of jobs abroad have been closed.
He also confirmed that authorities have repatriated at least 27 Kenyans who had been fighting in Russia, offering them psychological care and addressing any radicalization trauma they may have experienced. Disturbingly, reports reveal that more individuals from Kenya have lost their lives while fighting for Russian forces, though official acknowledgement from Russia remains absent. The Kenyan foreign minister is under increasing pressure from families of the deceased, who claim the government's negligence in regulating recruitment agencies has led to this predicament.
Despite the criticism, Mudavadi defended his government's actions, asserting that they continue to dismantle illegal operations. The issue reflects a larger trend, with intelligence assessments indicating that over 1,400 recruits from various African countries are involved in Russia's military efforts. The global community continues to scrutinize both Russia's and Ukraine's recruitment methods, particularly concerning foreign nationals.
Recent estimates suggest that around 200 Kenyan nationals might have been recruited, although the exact number remains unclear, as the government insists that none of these individuals traveled through official channels. Mudavadi pointed to the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Kenya and Russia, describing the situation as a regrettable incident amid generally positive interactions.
To bolster its stance, the Kenyan government plans to negotiate with Moscow to establish agreements that prohibit the conscription of Kenyan citizens into military service. Mudavadi disclosed that more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of misleading Kenyans in search of jobs abroad have been closed.
He also confirmed that authorities have repatriated at least 27 Kenyans who had been fighting in Russia, offering them psychological care and addressing any radicalization trauma they may have experienced. Disturbingly, reports reveal that more individuals from Kenya have lost their lives while fighting for Russian forces, though official acknowledgement from Russia remains absent. The Kenyan foreign minister is under increasing pressure from families of the deceased, who claim the government's negligence in regulating recruitment agencies has led to this predicament.
Despite the criticism, Mudavadi defended his government's actions, asserting that they continue to dismantle illegal operations. The issue reflects a larger trend, with intelligence assessments indicating that over 1,400 recruits from various African countries are involved in Russia's military efforts. The global community continues to scrutinize both Russia's and Ukraine's recruitment methods, particularly concerning foreign nationals.
