More than a thousand Kenyans are fighting for Russia in Ukraine

The Kenyan intelligence service informed parliament that more than a thousand Kenyans had been hired to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine, which is five times more than the original estimates, according to available data.

The report describes a sophisticated network of smugglers and corrupt officials who allegedly collaborated with recruitment agencies. These agencies lured former soldiers, police officers, and unemployed people with promises of high salaries and bonuses.

The volunteers left on tourist visas, first directly from Nairobi, and later via other African countries. According to the report, there are currently 89 Kenyans on the front lines, and dozens are hospitalized or missing.

The Russian Embassy in Nairobi denies any involvement in illegal recruitment and emphasizes that foreigners can voluntarily enlist in the Russian army. The case is causing tension, and Kenya plans to discuss the situation with Moscow.

(reuters, pir)