Russia Pledges to Halt Recruitment of Kenyans for Ukraine Conflict – Mudavadi

Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has announced that Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan citizens to fight in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The announcement followed high-level talks in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday.
Addressing reporters, Mudavadi said, “We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted through the Russian Ministry of Defence. They will no longer be eligible to serve. There will be no further enlisting.” He added that consular support will be available to any Kenyans requiring assistance.
Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya’s partnership with Russia goes beyond the Ukraine conflict. “We do not want our relationship with Russia to be defined only by the special operation agenda. The ties between our countries are much broader,” he said.

Kenya’s intelligence services estimate that more than 1,000 of its citizens have already joined Russian forces, often with minimal training.

Across Africa, Ukrainian authorities report that over 1,700 nationals from 36 countries are involved in the conflict, some voluntarily, attracted by salaries and bonuses, and others reportedly misled into military service under false pretences.

In one instance, Kenyan long-distance runner Evans Kibet was allegedly tricked into signing a military contract after traveling to Russia for a sporting event.
Lavrov stated that the Russian defence ministry is reviewing cases that raised concerns from Nairobi, emphasizing that those who joined did so voluntarily and in accordance with Russian law.

The agreement represents a diplomatic milestone aimed at preventing further enlistment of Kenyan citizens in the Ukraine war.