Russian Embassy denies involvement in recruitment of Kenyans for Ukraine conflict
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nairobi strongly denied allegations that it is involved in recruiting Kenyan citizens to fight in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a detailed statement, the Embassy expressed “great concern” over what it described as a “dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign” circulating in Kenyan media and public discourse.
The campaign centers on reports of Kenyan nationals who travelled to Russia, joined the Russian Armed Forces, and participated in combat operations in Ukraine.
The diplomatic mission said recent accusations have directly implicated the Embassy and its staff in alleged rogue recruitment schemes — claims it firmly rejected.
“The Government authorities of Russia have never engaged in illegal recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation,” the statement read.
The Embassy further clarified that at no time during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has it issued visas to Kenyan citizens for the stated purpose of participating in what Moscow refers to as the Special Military Operation (SMO).
It also denied encouraging or colluding with any individuals or entities to lure or coerce Kenyans into joining the conflict under false pretenses.
However, the Embassy noted that Russian law does not prohibit foreign nationals from voluntarily enlisting in the Russian Armed Forces, provided they are legally present in Russia and choose to do so.
The statement comes amid heightened scrutiny in Kenya following reports that some Kenyan youth may have travelled to Russia and ended up in combat roles in the Ukraine war. Kenyan authorities have previously indicated they were investigating the matter and engaging Russian counterparts through diplomatic channels.
The Embassy emphasized that Russia and Kenya have remained in close contact over the issue and reiterated its openness to “constructive and depoliticized dialogue” with the Government of Kenya.
It also pointed to several bilateral draft agreements and protocols under consideration by Kenyan authorities, including those related to labour migration, travel arrangements, and coordination between law enforcement and security agencies.
According to the Embassy, finalizing such agreements would help establish a clearer framework for cooperation between the two countries.
The controversy continues to generate debate within Kenya, particularly around the protection of citizens from exploitation in foreign conflicts and the responsibilities of governments in preventing irregular recruitment into armed engagements abroad.