Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that the recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian army largely targets former security personnel and unemployed individuals.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Mudavadi said government records indicate that about 252 Kenyan nationals may have been enlisted in Russia’s special military operations. However, he noted that the actual number could be higher and is yet to be conclusively established.
“We have noted that some Kenyans working in security roles in the Middle East are abandoning their jobs and voluntarily joining the special military operations in Russia. With the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, this could potentially fuel further recruitment from third countries,” Mudavadi told the committee.
According to the ministry, there are currently over 1,000 Kenyans living, working and studying in Russia. Of these, about 300 are students, while approximately 450 are engaged in various economic sectors.
Mudavadi said that, contrary to some reports, most Kenyans who joined the operations did so willingly and with full knowledge of the risks involved. He noted that the recruits signed valid contracts to serve either in logistics or combat roles.
He attributed the trend to the promise of attractive benefits, including a signing bonus ranging between Sh1.5 million and Sh3 million, monthly salaries of between Sh50,000 and Sh350,000, as well as offers of Russian citizenship and gratuity upon completion of contracts.
“The indications are that most of the recruited Kenyans signed their contracts fully aware of the responsibilities and dangers involved,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary further disclosed that 16 Kenyans have been reported missing in action, while 38 others are receiving treatment in various Russian hospitals under restricted access. An estimated 165 Kenyans are still actively involved in the operations.
He added that 47 Kenyans have so far been rescued, with the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow facilitating their return home.
On prisoners of war, Mudavadi said two Kenyans — Evans Kibet and Macharia Willi Muniu — are currently being held by Ukrainian authorities.
The government has also taken action against illegal recruitment networks. Mudavadi revealed that arrests have been made, including that of Edwin Kamau Gituku and Festus Arasa Omwamba, linked to Global Face Human Resources, a deregistered agency. The two were charged with human trafficking in September 2025 and February 2026, respectively, for irregularly recruiting Kenyans and detaining others with the intention of enlisting them into the Russian army.
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