Kenya’s foreign affairs minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has expressed concern over the recruitment of Kenyan citizens to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. According to the minister, over 200 Kenyans, including former soldiers, are believed to be involved in the conflict. Mudavadi has urged Kenyans to exercise caution, warning that recruitment agencies are still actively luring citizens into the war with false promises.

The Kenyan embassy in Moscow has reported injuries among some of the recruits, who were allegedly promised up to $18,000 to cover costs for visas, travel, and accommodation. This development comes after Ukraine announced that more than 1,400 citizens from three dozen African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

Kenya’s President William Ruto has spoken to his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, requesting the release of Kenyans detained in the conflict zone. This effort is part of a broader attempt by African countries to secure the repatriation of their citizens who have been recruited as mercenaries. Earlier this month, South Africa announced that it was trying to secure the repatriation of 17 of its citizens who were persuaded to fight in Ukraine with promises of high salaries, only to be left stranded on the battlefield in the Donbas region.

The involvement of African citizens in the Ukraine-Russia conflict has raised concerns about the recruitment of mercenaries and the potential consequences for those involved. The Kenyan government’s efforts to warn its citizens about the risks of recruitment and to secure the release of those detained in the conflict zone are significant steps in addressing this issue. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how African countries will navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the conflict and protect the interests of their citizens. The international community will be watching closely as these developments unfold, with a focus on the safety and well-being of those affected by the conflict.