Russia recruited over 1,000 Kenyans to fight in Ukraine – Le Monde

That is according to Le Monde, Ukrinform reports.

Kenyan MP Kimani Ichung'wah told parliament on Tuesday that "to date, more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited and have gone to fight in the Russo-Ukrainian war," citing a joint report from the intelligence services and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The figure is significantly higher than the 200 Kenyans previously mentioned by authorities.

He explained that the recruits leave the country on tourist visas and join the Russian army via Istanbul and Abu Dhabi. Kenyans working abroad also reportedly travel to Russia from their countries of residence. According to the MP, many signed military contracts promising monthly salaries ranging from EUR 920 to EUR 2,400 in Russia, arranged through a recruitment agency in Nairobi.

According to February estimates cited by the lawmaker, 28 recruits are missing, 35 are in camps or on military bases, 89 are on the front lines, and 39 have been hospitalized. Thirty Kenyans have reportedly been repatriated. Recruitment agencies are collaborating with corrupt employees at Nairobi airport, as well as with national employment services and employees of the Russian Embassy in Nairobi and the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow.

Uganda and South Africa are among the other African countries targeted for recruitment.

Photo: HUR