Kenyan Police Arrest Man Suspected of Tricking People Into Joining Russian Army - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 26, 2026
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Kenyan police have arrested Festus Omwamba, a key figure in a human trafficking network that recruited over 1,000 Kenyans to Russia under false pretenses. Omwamba, who operated through his recruitment agency Global Face Human Resources, allegedly promised victims lucrative civilian jobs in Russia but instead facilitated their forced conscription into the Russian army and deployment to Ukraine's frontlines with minimal training. Many of these individuals were unprepared for military service and faced dangerous conditions, with some even losing their lives.
The scheme was uncovered after Kenyan MPs raised concerns about the alarming number of citizens being recruited by Global Face Human Resources. According to a joint intelligence report, Omwanda exploited vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities abroad. Victims shared harrowing accounts of deception, where they were lured with false promises of jobs as salesmen, security guards, or athletes. Upon arrival in Russia, however, they were forced into military contracts and sent to Ukraine without proper training, leaving many unprepared for combat.
The Russian embassy in Kenya has denied these allegations, calling them part of a "dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign." Omwanda's arrest marks a significant step in addressing this exploitation. His agency played a central role in the trafficking network, with one of his employees, Edward Gituku, also facing prosecution for human trafficking. The case highlights the dangers of international recruitment schemes that prey on individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
This story underscores broader concerns about human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable populations in conflict zones. It raises ethical questions about recruitment practices and the responsibilities of governments and intermediaries in safeguarding their citizens' rights. As global migration and employment opportunities continue to attract desperate individuals, such cases highlight the need for stronger international cooperation and protections against exploitation.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/26/2026