NAIROBI, Kenya – The number of Kenyans confirmed to have been recruited into the Russian army has risen to 291, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi told the Senate on Thursday.
Mudavadi said the figure could still increase, noting that an unknown number of Kenyans travelled to Russia without informing the government.
“The number presented to the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare is a rise from 252 that Mudavadi presented to the National Assembly on April 1,” reflecting a continued upward revision as more cases are verified.
He further warned Senators that the final tally could grow depending on confirmation from active combat zones, where some Kenyans are believed to be fighting on the frontline against Ukrainian forces.
So far, 53 Kenyans have been repatriated, while 19 are believed to have died, 42 remain missing, and two are being held in Ukraine as prisoners of war.
Mudavadi raised concern over continued irregular recruitment, saying Kenyans are still travelling to Russia through “dubious ways,” with some reportedly rerouting via North African countries.
Lawmakers questioned government efforts to rescue those on the battlefield. In response, Mudavadi said direct intervention was highly constrained due to security risks in the war zone.
“It is also a war zone; drones are flying all over. You cannot expect Ambassador Mathuki to go to the war zone. It is not that easy. It is a very difficult situation,” he told the Senate.
In March, Mudavadi travelled to Moscow for diplomatic talks with Russian officials, where he and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agreed to remove Kenyans from Russian military service.
He also told Senators that the government is preparing new legislation to “tie all the loose ends” in illegal migration networks.
At the same time, Kenya is engaging the Russian embassy on possible compensation for affected citizens.
“The government has extended a measure of amnesty for Kenyans to come home. But going forward, this amnesty will not continue,” Mudavadi warned.
He added that while Russia remains a major concern, other high-risk destinations for irregular job migration include the Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia, the North African route, and parts of the Gulf region.
