Faith Masita
The Russian Embassy in Kenya has strongly denied allegations that it or its staff helped recruit Kenyan citizens to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine, calling the claims “dangerous and misleading propaganda.”
In a statement released Thursday, the mission said it never issued visas for Kenyans specifically to join the Russian Armed Forces, nor has the Russian government organised or facilitated illegal recruitment. It added that its authorities have not colluded with individuals or agencies to lure or coerce Kenyans into combat roles.
Russia pointed out that Russian law allows foreign nationals who are legally in the country to voluntarily enlist in the military if they choose to do so, but insisted this is a matter of individual choice, not state-sponsored recruitment.
The embassy’s rebuttal comes amid growing controversy in Kenya over reports that large numbers of young Kenyans have ended up fighting in Ukraine after travelling to Russia under false promises of jobs and high pay. According to intelligence presented to the Kenyan Parliament, more than 1,000 Kenyans have gone on to fight for Russia’s army, far exceeding earlier estimates. Most are said to have been misled by rogue recruitment networks, some of which promised salaries, bonuses, and citizenship before channelling recruits into military contracts.
Kenyan authorities, including the National Intelligence Service and criminal investigators, are probing alleged collusion between recruitment agencies and corrupt officials that helped ease travel and deployment to Russia. Some families say they have not heard from loved ones for months, while others have been repatriated injured or traumatized.
The dispute now threatens diplomatic strain: Kenya is preparing a foreign ministerial visit to Moscow aimed at pressing Russia on the issue and seeking stronger
The Russian Embassy has reiterated openness to “constructive and depoliticised dialogue” with Kenyan authorities to address concerns, but rejected any suggestion of official recruitment operations.
In a statement released Thursday, the mission said it never issued visas for Kenyans specifically to join the Russian Armed Forces, nor has the Russian government organised or facilitated illegal recruitment. It added that its authorities have not colluded with individuals or agencies to lure or coerce Kenyans into combat roles.
Russia pointed out that Russian law allows foreign nationals who are legally in the country to voluntarily enlist in the military if they choose to do so, but insisted this is a matter of individual choice, not state-sponsored recruitment.
The embassy’s rebuttal comes amid growing controversy in Kenya over reports that large numbers of young Kenyans have ended up fighting in Ukraine after travelling to Russia under false promises of jobs and high pay. According to intelligence presented to the Kenyan Parliament, more than 1,000 Kenyans have gone on to fight for Russia’s army, far exceeding earlier estimates. Most are said to have been misled by rogue recruitment networks, some of which promised salaries, bonuses, and citizenship before channelling recruits into military contracts.
Kenyan authorities, including the National Intelligence Service and criminal investigators, are probing alleged collusion between recruitment agencies and corrupt officials that helped ease travel and deployment to Russia. Some families say they have not heard from loved ones for months, while others have been repatriated injured or traumatized.
The dispute now threatens diplomatic strain: Kenya is preparing a foreign ministerial visit to Moscow aimed at pressing Russia on the issue and seeking stronger
The Russian Embassy has reiterated openness to “constructive and depoliticised dialogue” with Kenyan authorities to address concerns, but rejected any suggestion of official recruitment operations.
