Kenya to Confront Russia Over ‘Unacceptable’ Use of Its Nationals in Combat
– Kenya is set to address growing concerns regarding the recruitment of its citizens for combat roles in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
– Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi described the practice as unacceptable and clandestine, emphasizing that Nairobi is determined to halt these illegal activities.
– The Kenyan government estimates that approximately 200 nationals have been recruited to fight for Russia, although the exact number is uncertain, as none reportedly left through official channels.
Diplomatic Efforts to End Illegal Recruitment
– Kenya and Russia have maintained strong relations since independence, making this a regrettable chapter in an otherwise positive partnership, Mudavadi remarked.
– The Kenyan government will focus its efforts on curbing illegal recruitment, including negotiations on visa policies and establishing bilateral labor agreements that explicitly exclude military conscription.
– More than 600 recruiting agencies suspected of exploiting Kenyans with false job offers abroad have already been closed.
Repatriation and Support for Affected Nationals
– To date, 27 Kenyans who had been fighting for Russian forces have been repatriated, with authorities providing psychological care to help address their trauma and facilitate de-radicalization.
– The situation regarding casualties remains unclear, as Russia has not formally acknowledged reports of Kenyan deaths in the conflict. Families seeking answers at the Russian embassy in Nairobi have reported being turned away.
Families Seeking Closure
– Relatives of those involved have expressed distress, stating, Families that we’ve spoken to say they have not been able to bury their loved ones because their bodies are still on the other end, Mudavadi noted.
– There are efforts underway to locate and repatriate the remains of Kenyans found in Ukraine, and the Kenyan government is coordinating with Ukraine on these matters.
Accountability and Government Stance
– Pressure is mounting on the Kenyan government following the recent discovery of more deceased citizens recruited to fight for Russian forces. Some families blame the government for its failure to regulate and criminalize illegal recruitment agencies.
– Mudavadi defended the government’s actions, saying, You cannot blame the government on this. Where there are illegal recruitment agencies, we have shut them down and continue to take action.
A Broader Context
– Ukrainian intelligence estimates indicate that over 1,400 individuals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia.
– Ukraine has also faced criticism for attempting to recruit foreign nationals, including from Africa, to join their side.
– Ukrainian officials have consistently warned that anyone fighting for Russia will be considered an enemy combatant, and the only secure option for them is to surrender and be treated as prisoners of war.
With ongoing tensions and increasing pressure, Kenya remains resolute in its quest to confront Russia about the ‘unacceptable’ involvement of its nationals in combat.