In brief
Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has revealed that approximately 200 Kenyan nationals are currently engaged in combat for Russian forces in Ukraine, with concerns about continued recruitment efforts. Reports indicate that some of the fighters have faced dangerous conditions and were misled into joining the fight, prompting the Kenyan government to act. President William Ruto has called on Ukraine to aid in the release of Kenyans trapped in conflict zones.
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 Africans are said to be 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 being recruited into forced criminality such as drug trafficking and forced labour abroad.
In September, Kenyan authorities rescued more than 20 nationals who were preparing to join the Russia-Ukraine war near Nairobi.
One suspected recruiter is currently in custody, facing prosecution in connection with this operation.
