UKRAINE, Feb. 19 — Russia has recruited more than 1,000 citizens of Kenya to fight in its invasion of Ukraine, reported AP, citing Kenyan intelligence. 

On Feb. 18,  parliamentary leader Kimani Ichung’wah presented an intelligence report, accusing Russian embassy officials of working with Russia’s recruitment agencies that lured Kenyans to the military with the false promises of jobs in Russia. He added that the Russian Embassy issued visas for those who have been recruited to the army. 

Ichung’wah added that the report shows that at least one Kenya’s citizen was killed, 39 were wounded, and 89 remain on the frontlines. Others returned home. 

The parliament leader also warned Kenyan officials that anyone in the country who is involved in Moscow’s recruitment campaign would be held responsible. 

According to BBC, in 2025 nearly 130 recruitment agencies were operating in Kenya, around five had been flagged, with three already suspended and two others under investigation. 

Earlier Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged its citizens who live in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the embassy in Moscow to enable “timely monitoring, consular assistance and protection.”

AP reports that Nairobi arrested two recruits last year and released them on bail as they await trial.

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