Kenya to halt recruitment of its citizens into Russian army

Kenyan citizens will no longer be able to join the Russian military and fight in the war in Ukraine.

Kenya’s foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi, announced the decision on Monday after talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow.

‘I want to make it clear that we have agreed Russia will no longer recruit Kenyans through the Ministry of Defence. There will be no further recruitment,’ Mudavadi said.

He added that consular assistance for Kenyans in Russia who require help would be provided through proper diplomatic channels.

Mudavadi also stressed that Kenya does not want its relationship with Russia to be viewed solely through the lens of the war in Ukraine. According to him, ties between the two countries extend beyond the conflict.

Lavrov said Kenyan citizens had signed contracts to serve in the Russian army voluntarily.

A report by Kenyan intelligence in February suggested that more than 1,000 Kenyan nationals are fighting on Russia’s side in the war.

(Reuters, Lud)