NAIROBI, Kenya – A disturbing trend of human trafficking has emerged where Kenyan citizens, lured to Russia under the guise of lucrative employment, are being coerced into military service and deployed to fight in the war against Ukraine. The Government of Kenya has initiated formal investigations after several nationals were captured as Prisoners of War (POWs) by Ukrainian forces, revealing a harrowing pipeline of deception that stretches from Nairobi to the battlefields of Eastern Europe.

The plight of these Kenyans gained significant attention following the capture of Evans Kibet, a 36-year-old athlete who said he was tricked into joining the Russian military. According to his testimony after being captured by Ukraine's 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade, Kibet travelled to Russia on a tourist visa. He alleges that after his visa expired, an acquaintance offered to help him secure a job and presented him with documents in Russian, which he did not understand. After signing, his passport and phone were confiscated, and he was taken to a military camp. "I was told: 'Either you go to fight or we'll kill you,'" Kibet recounted in video footage, stating he received only a week of basic training before being sent to the front. He subsequently fled and surrendered to Ukrainian soldiers.

Kibet's case is not isolated. Kenya's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing'oei, confirmed on September 20, 2025, that the government is actively investigating the cases of at least four Kenyans believed to have been trafficked and held as POWs in Ukraine. The Ministry is working through its embassy in Moscow to verify the claims and ensure the welfare of the affected citizens. In a positive development, the Ministry confirmed on October 2, 2025, the rescue and repatriation of another Kenyan, Kevin Kariuki Nduma, who had also been held as a POW in Ukraine.

A Global Recruitment Strategy

The coercion of Kenyans is part of a broader, systematic effort by Russia to replenish its military ranks by recruiting foreign nationals, often from vulnerable and disadvantaged countries. Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has been accused of using sophisticated networks, including social media ads and deceptive job offers, to lure individuals from across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Recruits are often promised high salaries, benefits, and fast-tracked Russian citizenship. However, many find themselves sent directly into combat with minimal training, serving as what Kenya's Foreign Ministry has reportedly described as "cannon fodder." Reports indicate that foreign fighters from countries including Nepal, Cuba, India, and Somalia have also been captured or killed on the frontlines.

Government Response and Diplomatic Engagement

In response to the crisis, Kenyan authorities have taken action on the ground. In late September 2025, police in Nairobi busted an alleged trafficking network, rescuing 22 people who were reportedly waiting to be sent to Russia under the pretense of job offers. Authorities seized recruitment materials and travel documents during the raid. The government has issued stern warnings to citizens, urging them to exercise extreme diligence and verify the authenticity of any foreign employment contracts.

On the diplomatic front, PS Sing'oei held high-level talks with Russian Ambassador to Kenya, Vsevolod Tkachenko, on October 7, 2025. Following the meeting, Sing'oei stated he had received "firm assurances" from the Russian Federation of its official policy against the involuntary recruitment of foreign nationals. Despite these assurances, the Kenyan government continues its investigation into the recruitment syndicates. The situation presents a significant diplomatic challenge for Kenya, which maintains diplomatic relations with both Moscow and Kyiv and has called for a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the conflict.

The exact number of Kenyans fighting in Ukraine remains unconfirmed, but the incidents have highlighted the profound risks facing citizens seeking opportunities abroad. As the government works to repatriate its citizens caught in the conflict, the harrowing tales of those deceived serve as a stark warning about the far-reaching human cost of the war in Ukraine.