Kenya has expressed intentions to engage in dialogue with Russia following alarming reports that its nationals are being clandestinely recruited to fight in the Ukraine war. Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi criticized the practice, labeling it 'unacceptable' during an interview with the BBC. He revealed that the Kenyan government has already shut down numerous illegal recruitment agencies and aims to establish a formal agreement with Moscow to prohibit the conscription of Kenyans into military conflicts.
Estimates suggest that as many as 200 Kenyans may have been recruited to fight for Russia, although the precise number remains uncertain, with the Kenyan authorities asserting that none traveled through official channels. Mudavadi emphasized the historical ties between Kenya and Russia, expressing hope that solutions can be found to preserve their longstanding positive relations.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister announced that 27 Kenyans who had participated in the conflict have been successfully repatriated and are receiving psychological support to help them adjust back into society. However, concerns remain regarding those who have died while fighting for the Russian forces, with many families unable to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones.
The Kenyan government is under increasing pressure to take decisive action against the illegal recruitment of its citizens, as families are finding themselves disappointed by the government’s delays in addressing these foreign recruitment agencies. Mudavadi defended the government's efforts, stating, 'You cannot blame the government on this' and reaffirming that the authorities are taking all necessary actions to combat illegal recruitment.
With Ukrainian intelligence estimating that over 1,400 individuals from across Africa have been recruited to support Russian efforts in the war, indigenous governments are urged to take a stand against these tactics. As Kenya continues to navigate this challenging situation, it's critical for them to find a path that ensures the safety of their citizens abroad.
Estimates suggest that as many as 200 Kenyans may have been recruited to fight for Russia, although the precise number remains uncertain, with the Kenyan authorities asserting that none traveled through official channels. Mudavadi emphasized the historical ties between Kenya and Russia, expressing hope that solutions can be found to preserve their longstanding positive relations.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister announced that 27 Kenyans who had participated in the conflict have been successfully repatriated and are receiving psychological support to help them adjust back into society. However, concerns remain regarding those who have died while fighting for the Russian forces, with many families unable to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones.
The Kenyan government is under increasing pressure to take decisive action against the illegal recruitment of its citizens, as families are finding themselves disappointed by the government’s delays in addressing these foreign recruitment agencies. Mudavadi defended the government's efforts, stating, 'You cannot blame the government on this' and reaffirming that the authorities are taking all necessary actions to combat illegal recruitment.
With Ukrainian intelligence estimating that over 1,400 individuals from across Africa have been recruited to support Russian efforts in the war, indigenous governments are urged to take a stand against these tactics. As Kenya continues to navigate this challenging situation, it's critical for them to find a path that ensures the safety of their citizens abroad.
