Russian Embassy Denies Recruiting Kenyans Following NIS Report of Over 1,000 Fighting for Russia - February 2026

A National Intelligence Service (NIS) report revealed that over 1,000 Kenyans are reportedly fighting for Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war. The findings, presented in Parliament, suggest some were enticed by high salaries and promises of Russian citizenship. In response, the Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied the allegations of recruiting Kenyans, calling the claims "dangerous and misleading propaganda." The embassy stated that Kenyans are free to join its armed forces if they are legally present in Russia. Kenya's DCI also reportedly uncovered a network facilitating recruitment.

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Russian Embassy Nairobi: Kenyans free to join Russian Army

The Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied recruiting Kenyans for the conflict in Ukraine, stating that Kenyans are free to join its armed forces if legally present in Russia. This comes amidst reports from Kenyan intelligence services alleging an extensive network facilitating the recruitment and trafficking of Kenyans to fight in Ukraine.