A joint investigation by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has uncovered a complex network involving Kenyan immigration and embassy officers, along with personnel from the Russian Embassy in Nairobi and Kenya’s Embassy in Moscow, in a scheme recruiting Kenyans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

• More than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited, including former military personnel and police officers, lured by offers of up to Sh350,000 monthly pay and bonuses of Sh900,000 to Sh1.2 million.
• The report, presented by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, revealed that officials in the Directorate of Immigration Services, DCI, and National Employment Authority allegedly facilitated recruit travel.
• As of February 2026, 39 Kenyans are hospitalized, 30 repatriated, 28 missing, 89 on the front line, one detained, and at least one confirmed dead. Recruits paid up to Sh1.6 million in recruitment fees.