NAIROBI, Kenya — Grieving families whose sons were tricked into joining Russia’s military forces in Ukraine took their pleas to Kenya’s parliament Thursday, demanding an end to the deceptive recruitment practices that sent their loved ones to war.
The demonstrators walked through Nairobi’s streets carrying pictures of their sons — some fighting on the battlefield, others wounded, killed, or missing in action. Their chants echoed through the capital as they called on officials to bring their family members home safely.
Among the crowd, protesters displayed a large white sign with red lettering that declared: “KENYANS AND FAMILIES DEMAND JUSTICE FOR THEIR SONS RECRUITED INTO RUSSIA MILITARY.”
Government officials revealed last month that over 1,000 Kenyans had been enlisted to serve in Russia’s forces fighting Ukraine. Current figures show 89 Kenyans remain active in combat zones, with one fatality confirmed, 39 receiving medical treatment in hospitals, and 28 listed as missing in action. Some recruits have managed to return to Kenya.
Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi informed The Associated Press last month of his plans to visit Russia, describing it as a “diplomatic approach to rein in” those who are “taking advantage of anyone in this misadventure.”
Mudavadi also indicated that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to free Kenyans being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine and to bring home those remaining in Russia.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, confirmed to the AP Wednesday that one Kenyan is currently detained as a prisoner of war in Ukraine. He explained that under Geneva Convention rules, POWs are generally freed when conflicts end, though both Ukraine and Russia have conducted multiple prisoner exchanges throughout the four-year conflict.
Lamech Mboga, whose brother departed for Russia in August 2025, told the AP he suspects his sibling is now imprisoned in Ukraine and pleaded for his freedom.
A parliamentary intelligence briefing delivered last month by majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah revealed that both Kenyan and Russian officials worked together with recruiting companies to deceive Kenyans into military service.
Thursday’s parliamentary petitioners insisted that those responsible for the recruitment scheme must face charges for “human trafficking, forced recruitment, and possible violations of international humanitarian and labor laws.”
Authorities have already filed human trafficking charges against two Kenyans in connection with the case.
