Mudavadi details recruitment of Kenyans into foreign wars

Prime Cs Musalia Mudavadi during a one on one interview with the Standard Group. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

There have been reports of Kenyans being recruited and ending up fighting in the Russia–Ukraine war. What is the government’s verified understanding of these cases?

Over 200 Kenyans are credibly reported to have been recruited into the Russian military since the onset of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in 2022. Some sought overseas employment voluntarily while others were deceived by unscrupulous agents and drawn into the conflict unknowingly. A number of those recruited are reportedly former members of Kenya’s disciplined services.

According to information from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the situation has been complicated by fraudulent recruitment agents falsely claiming to work with the Russian government and providing misleading information to unsuspecting foreign nationals. Recruitment networks are estimated to remain active both in Kenya and within the Russian Federation.

The government has received distress communication from Kenyans who found themselves in military camps in the Russian Federation, including confirmed cases of injury and individuals left stranded after attempted recruitment into the conflict. Through diplomatic interventions, 18 Kenyans have so far been rescued, issued with Emergency Travel Documents, and safely repatriated. Those who have returned are undergoing reintegration, including psychosocial support coordinated by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.

Kenya’s Mission in Moscow has issued public alerts and continues to engage Russian authorities to facilitate the safe return of affected Kenyans. We have also advised all Kenyans travelling to or residing in the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the embassy upon arrival to enable timely monitoring, consular assistance, and protection.

How are Kenyans being recruited or drawn into this conflict, and what vulnerabilities are being exploited?

Since the start of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, recruitment in Russia has reportedly expanded to include African nationals, including Kenyans. The main vulnerabilities being exploited include Africa’s youthful population and the persistent challenge of unemployment affecting most countries in the Global South.

On September 24, 2025, a multi-agency, security-led raid was conducted in Athi River, where 21 Kenyans were found housed and awaiting processing for onward travel to the war zone. Intelligence gathered indicated that victims were made to sign contracts with unscrupulous agencies, enticed by promises of salaries of up to 18,000 US dollars, equivalent to about Sh2.7 million, covering visas, travel, and accommodation.

Rescued Kenyans reported that they were misled about the nature of the work they were expected to undertake.

What steps has the government taken to investigate recruitment networks operating within or outside Kenya, and has anyone been arrested?

The government has taken decisive action. Nearly 600 rogue foreign job agencies have been investigated and delisted by relevant government agencies. The Athi River operation uncovered an active recruitment pipeline, leading to the arrest of one agent who was coordinating recruitment under the guise of overseas employment. The suspect is currently before court for luring Kenyans into the conflict.

Kenyans seeking employment abroad are urged to use only agencies vetted by the Ministry of Labour or the National Employment Authority. The Authority regulates and accredits recruitment agencies, enforces ethical recruitment standards, conducts pre-departure training, and safeguards workers’ welfare, including accountability in cases of abuse or repatriation.

Further measures are underway, including proposals to publicly list exploitative agencies to warn the public. Enforcement actions are ongoing, with additional suspects arrested and cases already before court. Plans are also in place to regularise labour movement to the Russian Federation through the establishment of a Bilateral Labour Agreement to ensure Kenyans access legitimate and secure employment opportunities abroad.

What measures are in place to prevent further recruitment of Kenyans into foreign conflicts?

The government continues to urge young Kenyans who receive job offers abroad to liaise with the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Labour and Social Protection, to verify the authenticity of such opportunities. This is intended to ensure that no Kenyan is lured by corrupt and ruthless agents into dangerous situations.

Several protective measures have been instituted. Recruitment regulations have been strengthened through stricter licensing, vetting, and monitoring frameworks to curb rogue agents. Mandatory registration and compliance requirements mean all local and foreign recruitment agencies must be vetted by the National Employment Authority, with illegal or deceptive operators facing sanctions, including licence revocation and prosecution. 

The Diaspora Placement Agency provides verified, government-sourced job opportunities abroad at no cost, alongside pre-departure guidance through brochures and handbooks to ensure safe migration. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs also oversees the verification of job offers issued by private recruitment agencies, ensuring compliance and protecting citizens from illicit recruitment.

Community outreach initiatives, including grassroots forums such as Mashinani engagements, provide job seekers with accurate information on licensed agencies, contract verification, ethical recruitment standards, safe migration procedures, and approved foreign labour pathways.

Are there plans to strengthen laws or monitoring systems to curb human trafficking and forced recruitment?

Yes. Discussions are ongoing on proposals to publicly name and shame exploitative agencies, alongside strengthening monitoring systems to better protect vulnerable citizens.

There have been reports of Kenyans being abducted or detained in Tanzania and Uganda. What is the government’s official position on these claims?

All Kenyans who had been held in Tanzania have since been released and are back in the country. At present, we are not aware of any Kenyan who has been abducted in Uganda.

Are there existing bilateral agreements with Tanzania and Uganda on security cooperation, and how effective are they?

Kenya and Uganda enjoy a robust partnership rooted in deep economic interdependence and cultural affinity, reinforced through strategic agreements and diplomatic initiatives. Uganda remains Kenya’s leading trading partner and the top destination for Kenyan exports.

There are 22 existing instruments of cooperation between Kenya and Uganda across sectors including mining standards and agriculture. On security cooperation, the two countries signed a defence cooperation agreement in April 2022 focusing on counter-terrorism, cross-border crime, intelligence sharing, joint operations, and regional stability. Since its signing, the joint defence implementation committee has met five times.

There is no registered case of Kenyans abducted in Uganda. The only notable case involved Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo in October 2025, which was amicably resolved, with their release secured on November 8, 2025.