Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed that about 252 Kenyans are actively engaged on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war, contradicting an earlier National Intelligence Service (NIS) report that estimated the number could be as high as 1,000.
Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, Mudavadi said that although the verified figure is lower, the situation remains sensitive as the government works to repatriate those already involved and prevent further enlistment.
“The records we have from the embassy in Russia indicate 252 Kenyans. That is the figure we can verify. There could be more because some individuals went through third-party countries, not directly from Nairobi to the conflict zone. But without verification, I can only quote what has been confirmed by the embassy,” he said.
He explained that some Kenyans are still on the frontline and cannot be reached directly, while others are in hospitals where the Kenyan mission has managed to contact them. Verification is also ongoing for those reported missing in action, currently estimated at around 11 individuals.
“Some are definitely on the frontline and cannot be communicated with directly. Some are in hospitals, and our mission has spoken to them. Forty-four have returned home. Some walked out of hospitals after treatment and were assisted to leave. Others decided to remain in the conflict. Unfortunately, we have lost some, and verification is ongoing for those recorded as missing in action, which could be around 11 people so far,” he said.
Mudavadi emphasised that efforts to identify affected Kenyans are already underway. He noted that the Kenyan mission in Russia, including the ambassador, has received numerous messages from families across the country, and a dedicated website has been set up for Kenyans to report their whereabouts.
“They have put out a website for Kenyans to indicate where they are. Some of these contacts came through that website. At the same time, some Kenyans on the front line have also sent signals to help us understand or clarify the numbers,” he said.
He added that tracking those involved has been challenging because many used multiple travel routes, often transiting through several countries before reaching Russia. While some were allegedly lured through fraudulent recruitment schemes, others knowingly enlisted.
“The Constitution allows freedom of movement. Kenyans are not restricted when they travel. Somebody can leave Nairobi, go to another country, and then to a third or fourth country. We cannot track that movement. There are two sides to this. Some were lured or went through fraudulent agencies, while others knowingly enlisted. There are lapses in law and processes that need to be addressed, including stricter immigration laws for those seeking employment abroad,” he said.
Mudavadi noted that some intelligence on recruitment networks and travel routes remains confidential, as security agencies continue efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible, in cases that may amount to human trafficking.
Despite many recruits signing contracts with foreign entities, he said the government’s priority is to stop further enlistment and address the broader legal and humanitarian implications.
“We emphasise that these Kenyans signed contracts, but we are focused on stopping further enlistment. We also need to highlight the challenge this situation presents. If it is a trafficking issue, what demands were made to the Russian government? Russia recruits through contracts, and some Kenyans may have been lured. Some Kenyans face possible charges or have written statements with Kenyan investigative agencies for their involvement. Kenya is a signatory to the UN and AU conventions prohibiting mercenary activity. What has been happening is illegal,” he said.
“Section 68 of the Penal Code is categorical: no Kenyan can enlist in a foreign army without explicit presidential approval. Does Russia agree? Russia views contracting as voluntary.”
