A thousand Kenyans 'recruited' for Russia's war — new report
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
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Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has revealed that over 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, allegedly lured by promises of lucrative employment opportunities. Presented to lawmakers by parliamentary leader Kimani Ichung'wah, the NIS report detailed how Russian embassy officials and recruitment agencies colluded to issue tourist visas to Kenyan citizens, masking their true intent as fighters. The findings also revealed that at least 89 Kenyans were actively on the frontlines, with 39 hospitalized, 28 missing in action, and one confirmed dead.
The report highlighted that recruiters specifically targeted former soldiers, police officers, and unemployed individuals, offering salaries of up to 350,000 shillings per month plus bonuses. This marked a significant increase from earlier estimates, with Kenya previously acknowledging over 200 citizens in Russia's forces. The Russian embassy in Nairobi denied the allegations, stating that no visas were issued for fighting purposes and emphasizing that foreign enlistment in Russia's armed forces is legally permitted.
The issue has drawn international attention, as Ukraine has reported hundreds of African recruits fighting alongside Russian forces. Earlier this week, South Africa also announced the repatriation of four citizens who had been tricked into joining the conflict. These developments raise concerns about human trafficking and the ethical implications of foreign nationals being exploited in armed conflicts.
The case underscores Kenya's growing challenges in addressing recruitment scams and safeguarding its citizens abroad. It also highlights the broader issue of African mercenaries being lured into international conflicts, often through deception and false promises of employment. The situation has sparked calls for stronger regional cooperation and protection mechanisms, particularly from the African Union (AU), to prevent such exploitation.
As global attention focuses on this emerging crisis, questions remain about how governments can better protect their citizens and hold recruiters accountable. The Kenyan government's revelations serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by job-seekers in unstable regions, where desperation can be exploited for political gain.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026