A Kenyan intelligence report reveals that 1,000 citizens have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, exposing a network of rogue officials colluding with traffickers. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) report, presented to parliament, confirms 89 Kenyans were on the front lines as of February, with one confirmed dead and several others injured or traumatized.
Parliamentary leader Kimani Ichung’wah described the scheme as “deeply disturbing,” alleging collusion between rogue Kenyan airport staff, immigration officers, and even staff at the Russian embassy in Nairobi to facilitate the recruits’ travel. Recruits, often ex-soldiers or unemployed youth, are lured by promises of high salaries but are instead given minimal training and sent to combat zones.
The Russian embassy in Nairobi has denied the allegations, stating it has never issued visas for military purposes. The Kenyan government has shut down over 600 suspect recruitment agencies and is urging Moscow to halt the conscription of its citizens. Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi is set to visit Moscow next month to address the illegal recruitment and negotiate a bilateral labor agreement that excludes military service
