Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed that about 252 Kenyans are actively engaged on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war, contradicting an earlier National Intelligence Service (NIS) report that estimated the number could be as high as 1,000.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Mudavadi said that although the verified figure is lower, the situation remains sensitive as the government works to repatriate those already involved and prevent further enlistment.
“The records we have from the embassy in Russia indicate 252 Kenyans. That is the figure we can verify. There could be more because some individuals went through third-party countries, not directly from Nairobi to the conflict zone. But without verification, I can only quote what has been confirmed by the embassy,” he said.
He explained that some Kenyans are still on the frontline and cannot be reached directly, while others are in hospitals where the Kenyan mission has managed to contact them. Verification is also ongoing for those reported missing in action, currently estimated at around 11 individuals.
“Some are definitely on the frontline and cannot be communicated with directly. Some are in hospitals, and our mission has spoken to them. Forty-four have returned home. Some walked out of hospitals after treatment and were assisted to leave. Others decided to remain in the conflict. Unfortunately, we have lost some, and verification is ongoing for those recorded as missing in action, which could be around 11 people so far,” he said.
Mudavadi emphasised that efforts to identify affected Kenyans are already underway. He noted that the Kenyan mission in Russia, including the ambassador, has received numerous messages from families across the country, and a dedicated website has been set up for Kenyans to report their whereabouts.
“They have put out a website for Kenyans to indicate where they are. Some of these contacts came through that website. At the same time, some Kenyans on the front line have also sent signals to help us understand or clarify the numbers,” he said.
He added that tracking those involved has been challenging because many used multiple travel routes, often transiting through several countries before reaching Russia. While some were allegedly lured through fraudulent recruitment schemes, others knowingly enlisted.
“The Constitution allows freedom of movement. Kenyans are not restricted when they travel. Somebody can leave Nairobi, go to another country, and then to a third or fourth country. We cannot track that movement. There are two sides to this. Some were lured or went through fraudulent agencies, while others knowingly enlisted. There are lapses in law and processes that need to be addressed, including stricter immigration laws for those seeking employment abroad,” he said.
Mudavadi noted that some intelligence on recruitment networks and travel routes remains confidential, as security agencies continue efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible, in cases that may amount to human trafficking.
Despite many recruits signing contracts with foreign entities, he said the government’s priority is to stop further enlistment and address the broader legal and humanitarian implications.
“We emphasise that these Kenyans signed contracts, but we are focused on stopping further enlistment. We also need to highlight the challenge this situation presents. If it is a trafficking issue, what demands were made to the Russian government? Russia recruits through contracts, and some Kenyans may have been lured. Some Kenyans face possible charges or have written statements with Kenyan investigative agencies for their involvement. Kenya is a signatory to the UN and AU conventions prohibiting mercenary activity. What has been happening is illegal,” he said.
"Section 68 of the Penal Code is categorical: no Kenyan can enlist in a foreign army without explicit presidential approval. Does Russia agree? Russia views contracting as voluntary.”
He reiterated that while the government will assist in repatriating affected citizens, it will not compensate for obligations arising from contracts entered into without state approval. He added that those who knowingly enlisted could face prosecution, although authorities are also considering amnesty on humanitarian grounds.
“First, the humanitarian challenge must be addressed. Kenya can prosecute them or consider amnesty, but the message is that illegality was committed, with serious consequences. Kenyans should seek guidance from the Ministry of Labour or foreign affairs before engaging in such contracts,” he said.
Earlier, the NIS had told Parliament that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited into the war, many allegedly misled by rogue agents promising lucrative jobs abroad.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who presented the report, said some recruits travelled through Istanbul, Turkey, and Abu Dhabi, UAE, using transit visas that facilitated their entry into the Russian army.
“Some agencies have colluded with rogue airport staff from the Directorate of Immigration, DCI, and the National Employment Authority to bypass scrutiny at JKIA. Close to 1,000 have not all travelled directly from Kenya; some were already in the diaspora,” Ichung’wah told MPs.
The report indicated that upon arrival, recruits were taken to training camps before being deployed to the frontline.
Records show that 39 were hospitalised, 30 repatriated, 28 missing, 35 in camps, 89 on the frontline, one detained, and one had completed their contract.
“The ongoing war continues to trigger recruitment of foreign fighters through rogue agencies targeting ex-military, ex-police, and civilians desperate for jobs abroad,” Ichung’wah said, citing offers of monthly salaries of Sh300,000, bonuses ranging between Sh900,000 and Sh1.2 million, and promises of Russian citizenship.
Mudavadi, held discussions on Monday with Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow to address reports of Kenyans recruited into the Russian armed forces.
During the meeting, the Russian government maintained that the Kenyans joined voluntarily and are bound by contracts signed with the country’s Ministry of Defence. According to Moscow, those wishing to leave must first formally terminate their agreements.
“All Kenyans, as well as other nationals who signed contracts, did it voluntarily. The contracts did not have any provision for repatriation. When the contracts are effective, they can terminate this contract, but this is done under the Ministry of Defence,” said Lavrov.
Mudavadi acknowledged the complexities surrounding the issue, noting that some of the Kenyans involved had not disclosed their true intentions before leaving the country. He emphasised that the Kenyan government intends to address the matter through diplomatic engagement.
“Some of these Kenyans did not disclose their intentions. In our laws, it is also illegal to do these things,” said Mudavadi.
Lavrov further clarified that Russia does not actively target foreign nationals for recruitment, stating that individuals enlist by choice and that recruits come from multiple regions, not just Africa.
“Russia does not decide to recruit; people join voluntarily. No one can prevent their citizens from looking for jobs if they want to look for jobs. We don’t target Africa specifically. We have citizens from Asia and other countries,” he said.
The bilateral talks, however, resulted in an agreement to prevent future enlistment of Kenyan citizens in the Russian military. Mudavadi confirmed that both governments had reached a consensus that Kenyans would no longer be eligible to join Russia’s defence forces.
“We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted in the Department of Defence and they will no longer be eligible for enlisting in the military here in Russia,” Mudavadi said.
