Revealed: At Least 1,000 Kenyans Fighting for Russia

More than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited into the Russian military and deployed in the war in Ukraine, according to intelligence reports presented to Parliament of Kenya.

Political leaders in Kenya have raised concern over the growing number of citizens travelling abroad on tourist visas before being channelled into combat roles. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah told MPs that recruits are passing through several transit points, including Istanbul and Abu Dhabi. 

As scrutiny has increased at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, alternative routes have emerged through Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa. Ichung’wah said the operations are being facilitated by unauthorised recruitment agencies, corrupt airport officials and alleged collusion involving embassy staff in Nairobi and Moscow. 

The National Intelligence Service has recorded cases of Kenyans who have been hospitalised, repatriated, reported missing or deployed to frontline positions. Some returnees have described being transported to military camps in Russia, undergoing several weeks of training and then being sent to the battlefield. Many said they were promised monthly pay of about Sh300,000, substantial bonuses and the prospect of Russian citizenship. 

Several have returned with serious injuries, while others remain unaccounted for.

One company identified in the parliamentary statement is Global Face Human Resources Limited, which was registered in 2024 but is not accredited by the National Employment Authority. Operating under the name “kazi majuu”, it is alleged to have targeted young people with offers of employment overseas. 

Raids conducted last year by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations recovered passports, unsigned contracts and records of payments exceeding Sh1 million. Investigators also found evidence of medical examinations carried out by local clinics in preparation for travel.

Members of Parliament described the matter as a serious security and humanitarian concern. Ichung’wah said the country’s systems had been exploited and called for decisive action against those responsible.