NAIROBI, Kenya- New evidence reviewed by lawmakers and reported by Citizen TV shows that more than 1,000 Kenyan citizens were lured into fighting in the Russia‑Ukraine war, and that the network responsible involved actors within Kenyan government agencies and security services.
According to the Citizen TV investigation and Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reports presented in Parliament, recruitment efforts targeted former Kenya Defence Forces personnel, retired police officers, National Youth Service members and civilians, promising high‑paying jobs abroad.
The Rush To Russia Hundreds of Kenyans lured to fight in the Ukraine-Russia warCitizen TV exposes networks behind recruitment drive Documents allege state links in exportation of recruits to Russia Reds: Recruits must have prior military or police training#CitizenTonight
Recruitment Networks and Security Involvement
Citizen TV detailed that recruiters operating in Kenya, including a figure identified as “Reds”, sought connections within the Department of Defence, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Immigration and the Ministry of Labour to facilitate operations.
The network allegedly liaised with these officials to ease documentation and travel logistics for recruits headed to Russia.
Kenya’s Parliament Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, described the arrangements as involving ‘rogue state officials’ who colluded with recruitment agencies and syndicates, a charge that heightened concern among legislators and families of recruits.
The intelligence dossier indicated that rogue airport, immigration and recruitment agency staff were complicit in facilitating the departures, and that some recruits were housed in transitional accommodation in Kenya before travel.
False Promises and Deployment
Recruits were reportedly told they would receive lucrative salaries, sometimes in excess of 350,000 shillings per month plus bonuses, and be placed in skilled roles abroad.
However, upon arrival in Russia, many were instead placed in combat roles or military support positions associated with the Russia‑Ukraine war.
The Citizen TV investigation also reviewed e‑visas issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, suggesting that travel documentation had official backing, even though the Russian Embassy in Nairobi has denied involvement in issuing visas for combat purposes.
Arrests and Government Response
In law enforcement developments, Kenyan police have arrested a man accused of luring citizens with promises of legitimate work only for them to end up fighting in Ukraine, charging him with human trafficking and deception.
Authorities say he coordinated travel and documentation for a group of recruits before they were intercepted or managed to depart.
Kenyan authorities, including the National Intelligence Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, continue to investigate recruitment syndicates and their links to government workers.
Efforts are also underway to repatriate Kenyans still in Russia or in active conflict zones, as family members press for answers and accountability.
Impact and Official Acknowledgement
Separately, an intelligence report presented to lawmakers estimated that more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited and departed for Russia’s war effort, with some confirmed dead, injured or still fighting.
The government has recognised the gravity of the situation and said diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of its citizens.
The involvement of multiple state agencies and the alleged complicity of officials in these recruitment schemes have prompted calls for deeper inquiry and tighter oversight, as Kenyans grapple with the consequences of foreign recruitment networks operating on local soil.
