Over 200 Kenyans Reportedly Fighting for Russia in Ukraine Conflict

Thu Nov 13 2025 16:20:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister reveals that about 200 citizens are engaged in the ongoing war in Ukraine, with serious implications for national security.

A significant number of Kenyans, including former security personnel, are reportedly involved in the conflict in Ukraine on the side of Russia. Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi highlighted the existence of recruitment networks that may continue to draw more individuals into the war. Cases of forced labor reported among the recruits raise concerns about the impact on Kenya's national security and ongoing criminal activities.

Some 200 Kenyans are fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine and more could be recruited into the conflict, authorities say.

Among them are former members of Kenya's security forces, according to Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

Some of those who have been rescued said they were forced to assemble drones and handle chemicals without proper training or protective gear, the minister added.

Kenyan President William Ruto last week requested the Ukrainian government to secure the release of Kenyans currently held in the conflict zone.

About 1,400 citizens from across Africa are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with some recruited through deception, the Ukraine government said last week.

A young Kenyan athlete was in September captured in Ukraine and said that he had been tricked into joining the Russian army.

Recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African nationals, including Kenyans, said Mudavadi in a press conference on Wednesday.

Over 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military... recruitment networks are still active in both Kenya and Russia, he added.

Kenya's embassy in Moscow has recorded injuries among some of the recruits, who were allegedly promised up to $18,000 (£14,000) to cover costs for visas, travel, and accommodation, the minister said.

Mudavadi also expressed concerns about the increasing number of nationals who have been recruited into forced criminality such as drug trafficking and forced labor in foreign countries, presenting a serious threat to both Kenya's national security and global security.

In September, Kenyan authorities rescued more than 20 nationals who were preparing to join the Russia-Ukraine war near the capital, Nairobi. One person suspected of coordinating the recruitment of Kenyans to Russia was arrested and is facing prosecution.

The evidence suggests that the Kremlin is working to expand its sphere of influence in Africa. Countries including South Africa have launched investigations into how their citizens ended up in conflict zones.