The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kenya has refuted recent claims linking it to the recruitment of Kenyan nationals to fight in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, calling the allegations “dangerous and misleading propaganda.”
In a press statement released on February 19, 2026, the embassy strongly denied reports that its staff or Russian officials have engaged in any unlawful recruitment activities. The statement clarified that “the Government authorities of Russia have never engaged in illegal ‘recruitment’ of Kenyan citizens in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.”
The mission stressed that it has not issued visas to Kenyans for the specific purpose of joining Russia’s “Special Military Operation” (SMO) in Ukraine. It also stated that it has neither encouraged nor been involved in any actions to coerce, entice or collaborate with people or organisations toward that end.
At the same time, the embassy acknowledged that under Russian law, foreign nationals who are legally in the country on valid visas may choose to enlist voluntarily in the Russian Armed Forces.
In its statement, the diplomatic mission also expressed willingness to hold talks with the Kenyan government, noting that several draft agreements — covering labour migration, travel arrangements and enhanced cooperation between security and law enforcement agencies — have been in negotiation for some time and are expected to be finalised to establish formal cooperation mechanisms.
The clarification comes amid intensifying concern over reports that Kenyan citizens have travelled to Russia, enlisted in its military and taken part in combat operations in Ukraine.
On February 18, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah raised the issue in Parliament, saying that more than 1,000 Kenyans have been trafficked to Russia and recruited to fight, lured by promises of high pay and the prospect of foreign citizenship.
Ichung’wah told lawmakers that a joint investigation by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reportedly uncovered links involving officials within immigration services, security agencies and some diplomatic channels.
He described a disturbing network of rogue government officers allegedly working with human trafficking syndicates to facilitate the movement of Kenyan nationals to the Russia–Ukraine war zone.
According to the Majority Leader, authorities have to date rescued and brought home 27 Kenyans who were stranded in Russia after being illegally enlisted.
He added that the government is preparing for an official visit to Moscow in March, where Kenyan officials will engage Russian counterparts to discuss the issue and find ways to prevent further risk to citizens.
