Mudavadi Agutuka More than 200 Kenyans Have Joined the Russian Army: “Danger to Security”

More than 200 Kenyans, including former security personnel, are reported to have joined the Russian army in Ukraine, with recruitment networks still active.
Workers have been promised about KSh 2.3 million but face exploitation, dangerous work using drones and chemicals, and serious injuries
Chief minister Musalia Mudavadi said that some Kenyans are being forced to commit crimes abroad
African citizens, including Kenyans, are reportedly being held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps, raising serious concerns

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Stay Mudavadi has given a summary about Kenyans fighting in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Chief minister Musalia Mudavadi warned of the dangers that the admission poses to Kenya’s security. Photo: Musalia Mudavadi.
Source: Facebook

At least three years since Russia invaded Ukraine fully, the conflict continues, with Moscow controlling parts of the former Soviet nation.

Despite suffering heavy casualties and civilian casualties, Ukraine has remained resilient, fighting the ongoing Western arms embargo, inflicting heavy losses on Russia.

How many Kenyans have joined the war between Russia and Ukraine?

The minister revealed that more than 200 Kenyans have reportedly joined the Russian army to fight its war against Ukraine, raising serious national security concerns.

During the press conference, Mudavadi stressed that recruitment efforts are still ongoing in the country despite efforts to reduce them.

According to the BBC, some of the top recruits are from former members of the Kenyan security forces.

“Recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African citizens, including Kenyans. More than 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian army…recruitment networks are still ongoing in Kenya and Russia,” he said.

Mudavadi highlighted horror stories from rescued civilians who had to assemble drones and handle dangerous chemicals without adequate training or protective equipment.

He revealed that some victims reported severe injuries and exploitation while working under the Russian military.

The minister revealed that the recruits joined Russia after being persuaded by about KSh 2.3 million.

What warnings did Mudavadi give Kenyans?

The Prime Minister warned that, as the recruitment process ensures quick financial gain, it also paves the way for their ill-treatment abroad.

“This crime poses a serious threat not only to Kenya’s national security but also to international security,” he added.

The threat extends beyond the battlefield with Mudavadi warning that some Kenyans are drawn to “forced crime” abroad, including drug trafficking and forced labour.

Ukrainian authorities report that approximately 1,400 Africans are fighting alongside Russian forces, with some being recruited under fraudulent conditions.

Stay Mudavadi — Mudavadi addressing the meeting earlier. Photo: Musalia Mudavadi.
Source: Facebook

A young Kenyan athlete arrested in Ukraine in September described being tricked into joining the Russian army.

Another African woman described being forced to make drones under dangerous conditions, telling officials that her “skin was peeling off” from exposure to the chemicals.