Over 200 Kenyans Fighting for Russia in Ukraine
– Recent reports indicate that approximately 200 Kenyans are actively involved in the conflict in Ukraine, fighting on behalf of Russia. This number is part of a broader estimate that highlights around 1,400 Africans aligning with Russian forces.
– Former members of Kenya’s security services are among those participating, as noted by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi.
– Alarmingly, some recruits have reported being compelled to assemble drones and handle hazardous materials without adequate training or safety gear.
– President William Ruto has reached out to the Ukrainian government, seeking the safe release of Kenyans currently endangered within the conflict zone.
– The Ukrainian government has revealed that individuals from different African nations, including Kenya, were often misled into joining the military. A young Kenyan athlete recently captured in Ukraine claimed he had been deceived into enlisting.
– Mudavadi highlighted that recruitment efforts for the Russian military have extended to African nationals, stating, “Over 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military… recruitment networks are still active in both Kenya and Russia.”
– Reports have emerged of injuries sustained by some recruits, who were allegedly lured with promises of financial compensation of up to $18,000 (£14,000) for visas, travel, and accommodation.
– Concerns have also been raised about the growing trend of Kenyans being drawn into “forced criminality”, including drug trafficking and forced labor abroad, posing a significant threat to both national and global security.
– Last month, over 20 Kenyans were rescued near Nairobi as they prepared to join the war, leading to the arrest of an individual suspected of coordinating these recruitment efforts.
– Additional investigations are underway in other African nations regarding citizens caught in the conflict; South Africa is looking into how 17 of its nationals became involved in the war.
– Ukraine has faced criticism for its attempts to recruit foreign nationals, including Africans, to join its fight against Russia.
This troubling issue highlights the increasing complexities of international conflicts and the potential dangers that target vulnerable populations in Kenya and beyond.