Larry Madowo reveals Africans ask him for tips on how to join Russian army
By Cynthia Lodite, February 6, 2026Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo has shared shocking accounts of Africans sending him direct messages asking for tips on how to join the Russian military despite the reported horror stories of the deadly war.
In a post on his official X account on Friday, February 6, 2026, Larry shared a message he got from a fan asking him to help him secure the opportunity in Russia.
On his part, Larry questioned the requests, describing them as desperation.
This comes amid recent reports that more than 200 Kenyans have joined the Russian military since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
“Some African men are still asking me how to join the Russian military despite all the Ukraine horror stories of a deadly war with drones, missiles, and landmines. Is this desperation or delusion?” Madowo tweeted.
Labour CS sounds alarm to job seekers
Larry’s remarks come just days after the Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has warned Kenyan youths against using visitor visas to seek job opportunities abroad, warning of potential scamming by some recruiting agencies.
Speaking during the NYOTA Capital disbursement event in Malindi, Kilifi County, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, CS Mutua sought to address mounting concerns over Kenyans being lured with fake overseas job offers.
At the time, the Labour CS went on to explain that some Kenyans who were reportedly duped ended up in the Russia-Ukraine war.
He went on advising Kenyan job seekers to reach out to the government, providing a number to dial for proper advice and guidance towards seeking jobs overseas.
“Also, contact 08002222223, and you’ll speak to someone who can advise you accordingly. Some people have been taken on a visitor’s visa, while the government takes Kenyans on an employment visa.”
Mutua further appealed to the public to conduct proper research about the company and ascertain the job opportunity via the National Employment Authority (NEA) website to ascertain its credibility.
“Let’s be careful if you’re offered any job opportunity abroad because many scammers are seeking to lure young Kenyans. Kindly visit the National Employment Authority website, which lists all companies contracted to provide global employment opportunities. If the job listed isn’t on the website, know that you’ve been lied to,” he noted.