Kenya is looking for clarity from Russia regarding reports of its citizens being recruited to fight in Ukraine, as confirmed by the country’s foreign minister. Musalia Mudavadi stated in an interview that such recruitment practices are “unacceptable and done in secret.”
The Kenyan government plans to close down illegal recruitment channels and is urging Moscow to create an agreement against the recruitment of Kenyan nationals. Estimates suggest that around 200 Kenyans have been enlisted to serve for Russia, causing immense grief for families who are struggling to deal with the loss of loved ones killed in the conflict.
In a recent comment, Mudavadi expressed the difficulties families face in repatriating bodies, particularly since recovery locations can vary. Some remains are found within Ukraine, which complicates the repatriation process.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha previously mentioned that at least 1,436 foreign nationals from 36 African countries are being enlisted for Russian service, though the real count may be higher. Sibikha revealed that Russia employs various methods, including financial incentives and coercion, to recruit these individuals.
Additionally, Mudavadi has received disturbing reports via emails from Kenyans trapped in Russian military camps, indicating that some are injured or stranded after seeking recruitment.
To combat this issue, the Kenyan government has tightened recruitment policies, revoked more than 600 licenses from non-compliant employment agencies, and is enhancing job verification through the Diaspora Employment Agency.
