NEWS & POLITICS
Kenya and Russia Agree to Stop Recruitment of Kenyans for Ukraine War
Kenya and Russia have agreed to halt the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into Russia's military operations in Ukraine, following public outrage and growing concern from families of Kenyans fighting in the conflict.
Michael Oduor
NAIROBI, Kenya (Running Africa) — The agreement was reached on Monday in Moscow, where Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and the controversial recruitment of Kenyans to fight in the Russia‑Ukraine war.
Mudavadi said both governments had mutually agreed to stop all recruitment and listing procedures, assuring Kenyans that no further enlistment would be permitted through either Russia’s Ministry of Defense or informal channels.
“We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted through the Department of Defense or the Russian Ministry of Defense,” Mudavadi told reporters.
“They will no longer be eligible for enlisting in the special operations.”
Russia Denies Forcing Kenyans to Join Ukraine War
Image: LA Times
Lavrov maintained that Russia does not coerce foreign nationals into joining its forces, insisting that those fighting alongside Russian troops are volunteers acting in accordance with Russian law.
“Russia is not forcing anyone to enlist,” Lavrov said. “Volunteers join the special military operation in full compliance with Russian law.”
He added that Moscow would review individual cases raised by Kenyan authorities and families.
Russia Accused of Recruiting Africans for Ukraine Conflict
Image: Madison Courier
Russia has faced growing accusations from African governments of recruiting their citizens to fight in Ukraine without proper diplomatic or legal channels.
According to Ukrainian intelligence estimates, more than 1,780 fighters from 36 African countries are believed to be fighting alongside Russian forces.
Kenyan intelligence officials estimate that over 1,000 Kenyans may have enlisted to fight for Russia, making Kenya one of the most affected African countries.
Protests in Kenya Over Citizens Fighting for Russia
Image: Reuters
The issue has sparked protests in Nairobi and other Kenyan cities, with demonstrators urging the government to intervene and repatriate Kenyans fighting in Ukraine, whether alive or deceased.
Some activist groups accused the Kenyan government of remaining silent for too long.
“The government of Kenya is involved,” activist Odhiambo Ojiro told the Associated Press.
“We are demanding that they meet the families immediately and bring back all Kenyans in Russia, dead or alive.”
Protesters, many of them relatives of those fighting, called for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the recruitment networks, citing violations of international humanitarian and labor laws.
Increased Scrutiny of Foreign Recruitment in Ukraine War
Image: Reuters
The Kenya‑Russia agreement reflects increasing scrutiny over foreign recruitment practices linked to the Ukraine war, particularly in Africa, where economic hardship has made young men vulnerable to enlistment offers.
Kenyan officials say they will continue diplomatic engagement with Russia to ensure all recruitment pathways are permanently closed and that affected families receive accountability.