Over 200 Kenyans Reportedly Fighting for Russia in Ukraine Conflict

Sun Nov 30 2025 23:04:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi reveals that around 200 Kenyans are engaged in combat for Russia in Ukraine, amid concerns about recruitment practices exploiting vulnerable individuals.

Approximately 200 Kenyans are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi. The recruitment of Kenyans, including former security personnel, raises alarms over potential exploitation and forced involvement in conflicts. The Kenyan government is taking steps to assist those trapped in the war zone and investigate recruitment methods, which promise financial incentives for participation.

Approximately 200 Kenyans are reported to be fighting for Russia in its ongoing conflict against Ukraine, prompting major concerns from the Kenyan government. Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi revealed these figures during a press briefing, indicating that many of these individuals are former members of the country's security forces.

Mudavadi expressed worry regarding recruitment practices that may be preying on vulnerable individuals, stating that some recruits have been deceived or coerced into roles involving dangerous tasks like drone assembly and handling hazardous chemicals without adequate training or safety measures.

Moreover, President William Ruto has urged the Ukrainian government to work on securing the release of Kenyans currently trapped in the conflict zone. Reports suggest that recruitment efforts may still be ongoing in both Kenya and Russia, with promises of substantial financial incentives—up to $18,000 for covering travel, accommodation, and visa costs.

Minister Mudavadi reported that injuries have occurred among those already in Ukraine, and the Kenyan government is investigating the networks facilitating this recruitment. The broader implications on national and global security due to such forced involvement in criminal activities abroad were also highlighted.

Furthermore, it was noted that around 1,400 Africans—comprising citizens from various countries—are enlisted with Russian forces, some reportedly lured through deceptive practices. The Kenyan government is stressed by the risks associated with these recruitment tactics, which threaten both individual safety and national security.

As part of the ongoing situation, the Kenyan government has successfully rescued over 20 nationals preparing to join the conflict and continues to pursue those enacting these recruitment strategies.