A Kenyan suspect, Edward Gituku, accused of human trafficking to Russia, is being defended by his lawyers who claim he has facilitated over 1,000 Kenyans, primarily former military personnel, to work in Russia without issues. His legal team argues that the recruitment is voluntary, well-compensated, and operates in a regulatory vacuum, with no specific Kenyan law criminalizing such foreign military service.

• Over 1,000 Kenyans have reportedly been sent to Russia for military-related work by the accused.
• Lawyers Dunstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta represent the accused, stating the individuals are ex-military officers who voluntarily sign contracts with the Russian military forces.
• Recruits are offered salaries up to KSh 300,000, roughly six times the average Kenyan government wage, with all expenses covered.
• The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) maintains this is human trafficking, having recently uncovered 21 Kenyans being processed for travel.
• The case highlights a potential loophole in Kenyan law regarding the recruitment of ex-military personnel for foreign service.