16 Kenyans missing amid fears of recruitment into Russian military

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi appearing before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on March 28, 2026. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

At least 16 Kenyans are missing in Russia as the government raises concern over a growing number of citizens recruited into the country’s military operations.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi told the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, on Thursday that some 16 Kenyans are missing in action, 38 are hospitalised, and many remain deployed in the conflict zone.

Mudavadi attributed the data from Kenya’s embassy in Moscow, which shows about 252 Kenyans may have been enlisted, though the figure could vary.

“As of April 1, sixteen Kenyans had been reported missing in action. We cannot conclusively confirm whether they are dead or captured,” Mudavadi said.

He added that 38 Kenyans are admitted to hospitals in Russia under restricted access, while about 165 remain in active deployment.

Mudavadi said diplomatic efforts have led to the rescue and repatriation of 47 Kenyans, despite limited staffing at the Moscow embassy.

“We have to appreciate how lean the team in Russia is. The Kenyan embassy in Russia has only six staff, the ambassador and five officers, yet they have managed to facilitate the rescue of 47 Kenyans,” he said.

During a recent visit to Moscow, the CS said he engaged Russian authorities on arrangements to facilitate the transfer and eventual repatriation of affected Kenyans.

Investigations show many recruits travelled voluntarily, drawn by promises of lucrative pay. According to him, they signed contracts for roles ranging from logistics to combat.

The government now says recruits are offered signing bonuses of between Sh1.5 million and Sh3 million, monthly salaries of Sh50,000 to Sh300,000, and the possibility of Russian citizenship.

He warned Kenyans against pursuing such opportunities, saying authorities have moved to curb the trend, and linked the recruitment to rogue agencies operating in Kenya, Russia, and third countries, including the Middle East, often using tourist visas and indirect travel routes.

The government has since deregistered 600 non-compliant recruitment agencies and launched a multi-agency investigation led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.