Kenya’s intelligence service has revealed that nearly 1,000 Kenyan citizens have been recruited to fight for Russia, allegedly with the involvement of rogue officials collaborating with human trafficking networks.

A report submitted to Kenya’s National Assembly on Wednesday indicates that at least 89 Kenyans are currently on the battlefield in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war as of February. According to the findings, one Kenyan has died in the conflict, while dozens have returned home injured or traumatized.

Previously, the Kenyan government had stated that about 200 citizens had been taken to fight for Russia and formally urged Moscow to stop recruiting fighters from the East African nation.

Earlier this month, the INPACT research group published a report estimating that more than 1,400 fighters from 35 African countries were recruited between 2023 and 2025, with 316 reported killed in combat. Among those who died were six Burundians. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah described the revelations as “deeply disturbing,” blaming “a few rogue officials” working alongside human trafficking syndicates to facilitate the recruitment of Kenyans into the war.

The intelligence report alleges that some officials within the immigration department, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Ministry of Labour may have played a role in enabling the departures. Ichung’wah further claimed that certain individuals within these institutions collaborated with staff at the Russian Embassy in Nairobi and the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow to help recruits secure Russian visas.

The Ukwelitimes has sought comment from the Russian Embassy. Russia has previously denied allegations of recruiting fighters from Kenya.

The report indicates that recruiters primarily target men aged between 20 and 50, including former soldiers, ex-police officers, and unemployed youth. Recruits are allegedly promised a monthly salary of KSh 350,000 (approximately USD 2,200) and bonuses ranging between KSh 900,000 and KSh 1.2 million.

However, testimonies suggest that upon arrival, many do not receive the promised benefits. Instead, after brief training sessions lasting about three weeks, they are deployed directly to the front lines in Ukraine.

“They are told they will work as security guards, but once there, they undergo three weeks of training, are handed rifles, and sent straight to the battlefield,” Ichung’wah said.

So far, 27 Kenyans have been repatriated and are currently receiving care and psychological support to address trauma sustained during the conflict.