Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has travelled to Moscow for high-level talks after the Russian government disclosed that 252 Kenyans had joined its military amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War.
The development has raised fresh concern within the Kenyan government over the growing number of young Kenyans reportedly being recruited into the Russian army through foreign employment channels.
Mudavadi’s trip is aimed at engaging Russian authorities on the matter and exploring ways to halt the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the conflict while addressing the welfare of those already enlisted.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously warned that some Kenyans were allegedly lured to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs, including construction and security roles, only to later find themselves deployed in military operations linked to the war in Ukraine.
The issue has sparked concern among families and leaders in Kenya who fear that vulnerable job seekers may be falling victim to international recruitment networks operating under the guise of overseas employment opportunities.
Government officials say the diplomatic engagement in Moscow will also seek clarity on the status of Kenyans currently serving in the Russian military and explore possible interventions to protect affected citizens.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022, has increasingly drawn foreign nationals from different parts of the world as both sides attempt to reinforce their military ranks.
Mudavadi’s visit signals Nairobi’s growing urgency to address the issue through diplomatic channels while discouraging Kenyan citizens from becoming involved in foreign wars.
