Kenya’s government has raised alarm over reports of its citizens being “lured” by Russian recruiters to fight in the war against Ukraine. The country’s Foreign Ministry says some Kenyans are being deceived by corrupt agents posing as legitimate recruiters, only to end up in Russian military camps. While Kenya has not directly blamed the Russian government, officials warn that these agents are using “unscrupulous methods” and falsified information to send unsuspecting citizens to the front lines. This development comes amid reports that Russia is seeking to bolster its forces following massive battlefield losses, with estimates of over 1.1 million casualties since the war began in February 2022. Recruiting foreign fighters has been seen as a cheaper and politically safer alternative to mobilising more Russian citizens. For many Kenyans, the promise of a high-paying military job can be a powerful lure in a struggling economy.
