Ukraine Captures Kenyan Fighter, Blames Russian Recruitment Networks

A Kenyan citizen has been captured fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine after reportedly being recruited under false pretences.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, confirmed the individual entered Russia as a tourist but was misled into signing a military contract. Ukrainian authorities are investigating the case, which is being handled under international humanitarian law. 

The detainee is receiving medical care and humane treatment, with full access granted to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Kenyan officials have acknowledged the existence of a syndicate that targets vulnerable citizens with deceptive recruitment practices. 

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing’oei said 29 Kenyans are believed to be held involuntarily near Belgorod, close to a Wagner Group base. Some Kenyans, such as former General Service Unit officer Kevin Kariuki Nduma, say they joined the Russian military voluntarily for better pay and respect. 

However, others report being promised jobs in fields like IT but were conscripted upon arrival. One Nairobi resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said he and three others escaped with help from the Kenyan Embassy.

Investigations show that Russia’s recruitment of foreign fighters extends beyond Africa, targeting Latin America and the Middle East. These efforts often use social media and informal cultural exchange programmes, offering legal residency, housing, and stable income before conscripting recruits into combat roles.

Ambassador Tokar described Russia’s recruitment strategy as a form of human trafficking that exploits economic hardship. He warned that foreign recruits are treated as expendable, citing reports of wounded soldiers being executed to avoid medical expenses.

Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is cooperating with Ukrainian authorities to secure consular access and work towards repatriation. While voluntary enlistment is legal under Kenyan law, any recruitment involving deception is a criminal offence.

Similar cases have been reported in Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. Nigerian authorities have issued travel advisories cautioning citizens against responding to job adverts suspected of being fronts for mercenary recruitment.

Ukraine has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong relations with African countries. Ambassador Tokar highlighted the Grain from Ukraine Initiative, which has delivered over 309,000 tonnes of food to 18 African and Middle Eastern nations, including Kenya.