Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, claims that former soldiers are among over 200 Kenyans believed to be fighting for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Mudavadi urged citizens to exercise caution, noting that recruitment agencies continue to lure Kenyans with false promises of high pay.
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Some recruits have reportedly been injured despite being promised up to $18,000 to cover visas, travel, and accommodation, according to Nairobi’s embassy in Moscow.
Last week, Ukraine stated that more than 1,400 individuals from around 36 African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces.
President William Ruto has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, requesting the release of detained Kenyan citizens.
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Similarly, South Africa has been working to repatriate 17 of its citizens who were persuaded to fight for Russia and left stranded in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
