Kenya announces amnesty for nationals who joined Russian Special Military Operations
The Kenyan government announced it will extend amnesty to citizens who were illegally recruited to participate in the Russian Special Military Operations (SMO) in the Russian Federation.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, revealed Sunday March 22 the decision following a formal visit to Moscow from 15th to 18th March 2026, during which he held bilateral consultations with Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Russia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The discussions focused on the urgent issue of Kenyans conscripted to fight in the Russia–Ukraine conflict. As a result of the diplomatic talks, Russia agreed to place Kenya on a “stop list,” halting further recruitment of Kenyan nationals into the conflict.
The agreement also allows Kenyans currently unwilling to continue serving in the operations to disengage and return home safely.
Mudavadi stated that the Kenyan mission in Moscow will have consular access to nationals in hospitals and other civilian facilities to facilitate the repatriation of the injured and the dignified return of the remains of those who have lost their lives.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, an estimated 252 Kenyans were conscripted into the Russian SMO.
So far, 44 have been repatriated safely, 11 are reported missing or killed in action, 38 remain hospitalized under restricted access, leaving 160 actively involved in the operations.
The government will also launch a sensitization program called “Linda Mkenya Majuu”, a nationwide caravan aimed at educating Kenyans on legitimate overseas employment opportunities while raising awareness about human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and smuggling.
Mudavadi emphasized that the amnesty aligns with Kenyan law, which prohibits nationals from being clandestinely enlisted in foreign military services.
Under Section 68 of the Kenyan Penal Code (Cap 63), unauthorized enlistment in foreign armed forces is punishable by up to 10 years in prison unless it is established that the enlistment was not voluntary.
“This initiative is a critical step to protect our citizens and uphold Kenyan law while ensuring the safe return of those who were exploited abroad,” Mudavadi said.
The government continues to coordinate with Russian authorities to ensure the smooth repatriation of Kenyans currently involved in the conflict.
The government says there will be no compensation for those who joined the mission.