Kenya arrests suspect in duping men to fight for Russia in Ukraine war
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
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Kenyan authorities have arrested Festus Arasa Omwamba, a key suspect in a human trafficking scheme that lured over 1,000 Kenyans to Russia under false promises of employment, only to force them into fighting on the front lines of the Ukraine war. According to Kenyan officials, Omwamba is believed to be part of an extensive network that exploits vulnerable individuals by recruiting them for dangerous and demeaning roles in the Russian military. The arrest comes after a National Intelligence Service (NIS) report revealed that 89 Kenyans are currently on the front lines, 39 are hospitalized, and 28 remain missing.
The case has sparked outrage across Kenya, with families of the victims protesting in Nairobi and demanding accountability for officials and syndicates involved. Omwamba was detained upon his return from Russia, where he allegedly recruited Kenyan nationals to join the Russian armed forces. Meanwhile, the Russian embassy in Nairobi denied the allegations, stating that it does not issue visas to Kenyans seeking to fight in Ukraine but allows foreign citizens to enlist voluntarily.
This issue is part of a broader trend across Africa, with reports emerging from countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe of similar schemes targeting young men. Ukraine has also accused Russia of using deception to recruit over 1,700 Africans into its war effort, further complicating the situation. Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi has announced plans to travel to Russia in March to negotiate the safe return of Kenyan nationals believed to be stranded there.
The case highlights the growing concern over human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for geopolitical conflicts. It underscores the need for stronger international cooperation to address these issues, protect citizens from falling victim to such schemes, and hold perpetrators accountable. As the Ukraine war enters its fifth year, the involvement of African recruits raises ethical questions about foreign enlistment and the broader implications of modern-day human trafficking in global conflicts.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026