NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan intelligence officials have disclosed that approximately 1,000 citizens from their country were deceived into joining Russian forces in Ukraine through fraudulent job recruitment schemes.
Parliamentary leader Kimani Ichung’wah delivered the intelligence findings to lawmakers on Wednesday, claiming that Russian diplomatic personnel worked alongside employment agencies to trick Kenyans with promises of professional positions in Russia. According to Ichung’wah, these individuals received tourist visas before being deployed to combat zones.
Russian Embassy representatives in Nairobi rejected these claims in a Thursday statement, asserting they never provided visas to individuals planning to participate in the Ukraine conflict. The embassy added: “the Russian Federation does not preclude citizens of foreign countries from voluntarily enlisting in the armed forces.”
The National Intelligence Service findings presented by Ichung’wah revealed that 89 Kenyans were actively serving in combat areas, 39 required medical treatment, 28 were unaccounted for, while others had managed to return home. At least one fatality has been verified. The intelligence document also identified specific recruitment organizations allegedly involved in transporting Kenyans to Russia.
Ichung’wah issued a warning that any Kenyan diplomatic staff in Moscow found to be involved in this operation would face accountability.
Multiple Kenyan families have recently appealed to their government for assistance in retrieving relatives trapped in Russia, with some reportedly compelled to serve in combat roles and others detained as prisoners of war in Ukraine.
Returning Kenyan recruits have described being offered professional positions including electrical and plumbing work. These individuals reported signing agreements written in Russian before being deployed to warfare with minimal or no combat preparation.
Kenya’s foreign affairs department had previously recognized this issue and advised citizens to exercise caution.
Authorities arrested two recruitment agents last year who were subsequently released on bail while awaiting court proceedings.
