The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nairobi has dismissed allegations that its staff were involved in recruiting Kenyans to fight in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Embassy Statement
In a statement released on Thursday, the mission described the claims as a “dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign.” It stressed that embassy staff have never issued visas to Kenyans with the sole purpose of joining the Russian Armed Forces.
However, the embassy clarified that Russian law does not prohibit foreign nationals already in Russia from voluntarily enlisting, provided they are legally present in the country.
“It must be understood that the legislation of the Russian Federation does not preclude citizens of foreign countries from voluntarily enlisting in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, if they stay in Russia on a legal basis and choose to take part in the battle against the NATO-backed Ukrainian Nazism shoulder to shoulder with Russian servicemen,” the statement read.
Call for Dialogue
The embassy expressed willingness to engage Kenyan authorities in dialogue to address concerns and strengthen bilateral cooperation. It noted that several draft agreements between Russia and Kenya covering labour migration, travel arrangements, and law enforcement coordination have been under consideration for years. Finalizing these agreements, it said, would provide a clearer framework for collaboration.
Political Reactions in Kenya
The statement comes a day after National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah revealed what he described as a disturbing network of rogue government officials colluding with human trafficking syndicates to recruit Kenyans for the war.
Ichung’wah demanded accountability within Kenya’s foreign missions, singling out the embassy in Moscow:
“Our Ambassador in Moscow must be able to identify the officers within the embassy that may have colluded with these criminals. Our embassy must be beyond reproach. It must be the place where Kenyans can seek refuge, not exploitation.”
The lawmaker disclosed that over 1,000 Kenyans have already been trafficked to Russia under false promises of lucrative pay and foreign citizenship.
Conclusion
The Russian Embassy’s denial highlights the diplomatic tensions surrounding the issue, as Kenya grapples with reports of its citizens being recruited into the war. With both governments signaling readiness for dialogue, the controversy underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards against exploitation and clearer bilateral frameworks on migration and security.
