Kenya Demands Repatriation of Nationals Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Kenya has called for the repatriation of its nationals killed or captured while reportedly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, after intelligence revealed over 1,000 Kenyans are involved, up from 200 last year. The government is engaging Russia to secure consular access, repatriation protocols, and prevent illegal recruitment, while Moscow denies involvement. Unlicensed agencies in East Africa are blamed for luring recruits, and African governments have warned citizens about the risks of joining the conflict.

Kenya has formally demanded the repatriation of its nationals who have either been killed or captured as prisoners of war after reportedly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, highlighting growing concerns over the involvement of foreign nationals in the ongoing conflict. This development comes after Kenya’s prime intelligence agency revealed to the country’s parliament that more than 1,000 Kenyans are currently participating in the war on Russia’s side. This figure represents a significant increase from November of last year, when Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, informed lawmakers that approximately 200 Kenyan nationals were involved in the conflict. The dramatic rise in numbers has prompted the Kenyan government to intensify efforts to monitor, protect, and repatriate its citizens caught up in foreign hostilities, raising broader concerns about illegal recruitment and national security.
In response to the situation, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, held talks with Russian Ambassador Vsevolod Tkachenko in Nairobi. During the meeting, Sing’Oei emphasized the government’s grave concern for the welfare of Kenyans currently involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He requested unimpeded consular access to Kenyan nationals and sought clear and transparent protocols for the repatriation of both prisoners of war and the remains of those who had been killed. Sing’Oei underscored that the government’s priority remains the safety, dignity, and protection of every Kenyan abroad. He also welcomed the cooperation of the Russian embassy in addressing and preventing illegal recruitment of Kenyan citizens, which has been a major factor contributing to their involvement in the conflict.
The Kenyan government has announced that Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi is expected to visit Moscow in March to continue discussions aimed at resolving outstanding issues related to Kenyan nationals caught up in the war. The visit is anticipated to focus on securing the safe return of citizens and ensuring that the processes surrounding consular access and repatriation are properly observed.
Moscow, however, has officially denied any involvement in recruiting Kenyans to fight in Ukraine. The Russian Embassy in Nairobi described media reports alleging such recruitment as “a dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign,” suggesting that claims about Kenyans being recruited to participate in the war are exaggerated or false. According to Kenyan security officials, the primary responsibility lies with unlicensed recruitment agencies operating within East Africa. Some of these agencies allegedly defraud job seekers by offering employment opportunities such as security or construction work abroad, only to have the recruits end up on battlefields in Ukraine. Many of the recruits reportedly travel through other African countries before entering Russia, complicating efforts by Kenyan authorities to monitor and intervene in these cases.
Governments across Africa and Asia have repeatedly warned their citizens against joining the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting potential legal, diplomatic, and security consequences for those who choose to participate. African nations including Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have expressed particular alarm over the safety and fate of their citizens recruited by Russia. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, at least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries have been identified among Russian forces, reflecting the scale of foreign involvement in the conflict.
The issue has sparked concerns not only about the safety and welfare of Kenyan citizens abroad but also about the broader implications for national security and illegal recruitment practices within East Africa. Kenyan authorities are working to strengthen oversight of recruitment agencies, prevent further illegal enlistments, and secure the timely repatriation of those affected. The situation underscores the complex challenges faced by governments in protecting their citizens from exploitation while navigating the diplomatic and legal dimensions of an ongoing international conflict.
Kenya’s efforts to engage Russia diplomatically and demand accountability and protection for its nationals demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the human and legal consequences of the conflict. By insisting on consular access, clear repatriation protocols, and preventative measures against illegal recruitment, Kenya is seeking to safeguard the rights, dignity, and safety of its citizens while asserting its responsibility to protect nationals abroad.