Kenya has demanded the repatriation of its citizens captured or killed while fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine.
Kenya’s intelligence agency told parliament that more than 1,000 Kenyans are currently fighting on Russia’s side — a sharp rise from the roughly 200 reported last year by Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
Following the revelations, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, met Russian Ambassador Vsevolod Tkachenko in Nairobi. He called for consular access to detained Kenyans and clear procedures for returning prisoners of war and the remains of those who have died.
The Kenyan government says its priority is the “safety and dignity” of its citizens abroad. Officials also blame unlicensed recruitment agencies that allegedly lure job seekers with promises of construction or security work, only for them to end up in combat zones.
Moscow has denied actively recruiting Kenyans, while several African governments — including Nigeria and South Africa — have warned their citizens about the risks of joining the conflict.
The issue highlights growing concerns across Africa about foreign recruitment networks and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war beyond Europe.
SOURCE: TRT AFRICA
