Kenya Moves Against Illegal Recruitment as Citizens Lured Into Russia-Ukraine War
The Kenyan government has intensified efforts to curb illegal recruitment of its citizens into foreign conflicts, following growing concern over reports of Kenyans being lured to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently held talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, amid mounting pressure from families of affected individuals demanding government intervention.
Authorities had earlier shut down more than 600 recruitment agencies accused of deceiving Kenyans with false promises of overseas employment, according to Mudavadi.
Intelligence estimates from Ukraine suggest that over 1,700 individuals from 36 African countries have been recruited to support Russia’s war efforts.
In a related development, South Africa repatriated 17 of its citizens in February who reported being stranded in the Donbas region after being misled into joining the conflict.
Under South African law, serving as a mercenary or fighting for a foreign government is illegal without official authorisation.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry clarified that its citizens may only serve in foreign militaries if they hold dual citizenship or obtain written approval from the president. Otherwise, such actions violate Section 68 of the country’s penal code and carry penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, unless proven to be non-voluntary enlistment.
