Scandal Erupts In Kenya Over Russian Recruitment Of Mercenaries

• 19.02.2026, 22:24

The country says Moscow is using Kenyans as "cannon fodder."

The Russian Federation has recruited more than 1,000 Kenyan citizens to participate in the war against Ukraine. This was stated in Parliament on February 18 by Kenyan MP Kimani Ichung'wah, citing a joint report by the intelligence services and the Criminal Investigation Department. He was quoted by Le Monde.

The MP said the figure far exceeds previous estimates by the authorities, which spoke of only 200 people. He explained that recruits leave the country with tourist visas and enter the Russian army via Istanbul, Turkey, and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Some now transit through Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa to avoid scrutiny. Kenyans who work abroad are also traveling to Russia from their temporary host countries.

Many recruits were forced to sign military contracts, with promises of salaries ranging from €920 to €2,400 a month. per month, dozens of times more than the average wage in Kenya (about €100 per month).

As of February, 28 recruits are missing, 35 are in bases or camps, 89 are directly on the frontline, and 39 are in hospitals. 30 Kenyans have already been returned to the country.

Ichung'wah added that recruitment agencies are working with corrupt Nairobi airport officials, employment services and the Russian and Kenyan embassies. Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi plans to visit Moscow next month. He has condemned the use of Kenyans as "cannon fodder".