More than 1,000 Kenyan citizens have been recruited to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine, many of them allegedly deceived into signing military contracts, according to a new intelligence report presented to Kenya’s parliament.

The findings significantly revise earlier official estimates, which placed the number of Kenyan recruits at around 200. The updated figure comes from a joint investigation by Kenya’s National Intelligence Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, disclosed to lawmakers this week.

According to parliamentary majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah, many recruits were lured with promises of high-paying civilian jobs abroad, only to discover they had been enlisted into Russia’s military once overseas. Similar recruitment tactics targeting Africans have been documented by multiple media outlets, including AFP.

The report states that Kenyans typically leave the country on tourist visas, traveling through Istanbul or Abu Dhabi before being transferred to Russia. As Kenyan authorities have tightened controls at Nairobi’s main airport, recruiters have reportedly shifted routes through other African countries to evade detection.

Investigators also allege that unlicensed recruitment agencies inside Kenya have been collaborating with corrupt airport personnel. Current estimates suggest at least 39 Kenyans are hospitalized, 28 are missing in action, and 89 remain deployed on the front lines in Ukraine.

Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi is expected to travel to Moscow next month to raise the issue with Russian officials. The Kenyan government has strongly condemned the exploitation of its citizens, describing their use in the conflict as “cannon fodder.”

Other African nations, including Uganda and South Africa, are also reported to be targets of similar recruitment efforts as Russia faces mounting battlefield losses.

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Key Takeaways

• Over 1,000 Kenyans have reportedly joined Russia’s war effort in Ukraine

• Many were allegedly misled with job offers and recruited via third countries

• Kenya plans diplomatic talks with Moscow over the issue

Russia has taken 'over 1,000' Kenyans to Ukraine: intelligence report

I think Russia will take anyone at this time.

By the way, what has happened to all the North Korean volunteers?

Given casualty rates of about 800-1000 a day, its fair to assume that those Kenyans are, essentially, no more.

What's curious is that Africa is probably full of 1000's of experienced Dogs of War, well experienced in warfare. But they are not rocking up in Russia. Instead, its people like Stephen the Plumber spinning some yarn about being duped, and not knowing his arse from his elbow.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/26/african-men-tricked-into-fighting-ukraine-for-russia

Maybe Russia is cheap.

52 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

I think Russia will take anyone at this time.

By the way, what has happened to all the North Korean volunteers?

It shows the Russian government is worried about public support.

Russia has no shortage of people. Putin created a law, in the wake of the failure of the first Chechen War, that banned conscripts from combat, except when defending Russia itself. The reasoning wasn't to spare the Russian squaddie. It was a reflection that conscripts proved to be bloody useless. The second Chechen was was fought by contractors, supposedly professionals.

Roll on to the Ukraine. Putin has the power to change Russian law to bring in conscripts, which would overwhelm Ukrainian defences, albeit at even higher cost.. But he's preferring substandard North Koreans, Ugandans, South Africans, Kenyans, Somalis and pressganged Indians/Bangladeshis. It can't be to save money.

In Afghanistan, a collapse in support for the Soviet invasion resulted in the collapse of a country.

There are no reliable polls being published on the beliefs of ordinary Russians, but I think its virtually a certainty that the Kremlin is monitoring the attitudes among the public.

I skim read the ignorant comments, regurgitating European/american propaganda. It's all nonsense. The pro-Ukrainian (Nazi) casualty statics are nonsense.

Africa doesn't get blanket coverage of pro-USA propaganda, and is familiar with Euro-USA destabalization tactics. Russia is hugely popular in Africa, because they are the good guys. African/South American troops fighting for Russia have full knowledge and are willing patriots.

7 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

I think Russia will take anyone at this time.

By the way, what has happened to all the North Korean volunteers?

One reads:

16000 sent.

6000 killed.

2 taken POW

Unknown number wounded, likely as many wounded as killed? Depends on the battlefield medical capability - not exactly known to be the North Korean or Russian strong points!

In Pokrovsk, soldiers of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelia” of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured two Colombian nationals who were fighting on Russia’s side.

As reported by Ukrinform, the regiment’s press service said this in a Telegram post.

According to the prisoners, they had come to Russia to work. The Russians promised them a salary of $2,500 per month and employment in the construction industry.

However, when the Colombians arrived in Ufa, their documents were confiscated, they were handed assault rifles, and, without food or water, were sent to storm Pokrovsk, the captives claimed.

Assault troops capture two Colombian mercenaries fighting for Russia in Pokrovsk

7 hours ago, 1tooth said:

I skim read the ignorant comments, regurgitating European/american propaganda. It's all nonsense. The pro-Ukrainian (Nazi) casualty statics are nonsense.

Africa doesn't get blanket coverage of pro-USA propaganda, and is familiar with Euro-USA destabalization tactics. Russia is hugely popular in Africa, because they are the good guys. African/South American troops fighting for Russia have full knowledge and are willing patriots.

What about the South Americans fighting for Ukraine, comrade? What you are you, Stalinist or Maoist?

Ghana has appealed to Russia to stop recruiting its citizens into the Russian military after confirming dozens of deaths linked to the war in Ukraine.

According to Ghana’s foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the government has launched diplomatic discussions with Moscow to prevent further recruitment of Ghanaians into the Russian armed forces. However, he said there has been no response from the Kremlin so far.

Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg, Ablakwa confirmed that at least 55 Ghanaian citizens have been killed after joining Russian military units during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ghanaian officials believe 272 of their nationals were recruited into Russian service.

The issue highlights growing concern across Africa about the recruitment of foreign nationals into Russia’s military operations. Ukrainian intelligence estimates that more than 1,780 Africans from 36 countries are currently fighting on Russia’s side.

Many recruits were reportedly drawn in by promises of high salaries ranging from $30,000 to $40,000 per year. However, officials say some were misled about the nature of their work and ended up deployed on the front lines.

Several African countries have already faced similar situations. Governments in Kenya and South Africa previously repatriated citizens who had signed contracts with Russian forces after claiming they were deceived about the terms of employment.

During a recent visit to Kyiv, Ablakwa met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the issue. The two countries agreed to secure the release of two Ghanaian citizens captured in Ukraine, who had reportedly been recruited by private agents promising legitimate work opportunities before sending them to fight alongside Russian units.

Recruitment cases have also emerged outside Africa. India reported that around 200 Indian citizens were recruited by Russian intermediaries to participate in the war, with at least 26 confirmed dead and seven missing.

Ghana is now pushing for stronger mechanisms with Moscow to stop further recruitment and protect its citizens from being drawn into the conflict.

Key Takeaways

• Ghana confirmed 55 citizens killed after being recruited into Russia’s military during the Ukraine war.

• Officials say 272 Ghanaians joined Russian forces, often after promises of high-paying jobs.

• Accra has requested talks with Moscow to stop recruitment but says Russia has not responded.

Ghana appeals to Russia after losing 55 citizens in Ukraine war - Did Moscow respond?

Not only Kenyans.
Vlad supporters and Z guys wholeheartedly congratulate the British participant of the Vlad`s Special Military Operation.

He recently received a well-deserved award -

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15596593/British-traitor-49-fighting-Putin-Ukraine-granted-Russian-passport.html