Russian Embassy Nairobi: Kenyans free to join Russian Army
The Russian Embassy in Nairobi says Kenyans can voluntarily enlist in the Russian Armed Forces but denies any role in recruitment. Kenya’s NIS–DCI report reveals rogue networks targeting over 1,000 citizens...
✨ Key Highlights
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.
- The NIS–DCI report estimates that over 1,000 Kenyans may have been recruited, some by promises of monthly pay up to Sh350,000 and bonuses as high as Sh1.2 million.
- The Russian Embassy in Nairobi described reports linking it to recruitment as a “dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign.”
- Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence has identified several Kenyan nationals killed fighting for Russian forces.
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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.
