Kenya has officially confirmed that over 250 Kenyan citizens have been recruited to fight on Russia's side in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Kenya's Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, stated that 16 Kenyans went missing after being recruited into the military in Russia; 47 have already returned from the battlefield (Ukrainian conflict), while another 38 are receiving treatment in Russian hospitals with restricted external contact. Two individuals are currently detained by Ukraine as prisoners of war.
According to estimates by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 165 Kenyans are currently engaged in combat, with more than 250 people having been drawn into the conflict so far—actual numbers may be even higher.
Mudavadi said most were volunteers who signed logistics or combat contracts, lured by promises made during recruitment:
- Enlistment bonus: $11,500 – $23,000
- Monthly salary: up to $2,700
- Possibility of obtaining Russian citizenship
- Large severance payment upon contract completion
Recruitment agencies involved are located in Kenya, Russia, Qatar, and the UAE. Kenyan authorities are investigating the illegal recruitment market and have already shut down over 600 related intermediaries.
In March this year, Mudavadi held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, reaching an agreement to halt the recruitment of Kenyan citizens. The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation and implement measures to protect its nationals.
Ukrainian intelligence data indicates that Russia has recruited over 1,700 individuals from 36 African countries; Ukraine is also actively recruiting foreign mercenaries.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861389391210496/
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