Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that more than 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022.

Some of these recruits are former members of Kenya’s disciplined services. Mudavadi said recruitment networks remain active in both Kenya and Russia, with some nationals injured or stranded while attempting to join the conflict.

“Reports suggest that over 200 Kenyans may have joined this adventure or misadventure, with some of them being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” Mudavadi said during a press briefing on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

“It is estimated that recruitment networks are still active in both Kenya and Russia. The Kenyan embassy in Moscow has reported injuries among nationals and others stranded after attempting recruitment in the war efforts.”

Mudavadi cited a September 2025 raid in Athi River, where security agencies found 21 Kenyans housed and awaiting deployment to the warzone. One agent was arrested for coordinating the recruitment under the guise of overseas jobs.

The individuals were reportedly promised up to Ksh2.3 million for visas, travel, and accommodation but were misled about the work involved, including assembling drones, handling chemicals, and painting without proper training or protective gear.

Mudavadi warned that Kenyans must protect relatives from such exploitation. He stressed the importance of using vetted recruitment agencies and the National Employment Agency (NEA) for overseas job opportunities. NEA regulates recruitment agencies, ensures pre-departure training, and safeguards workers’ welfare.

Rescued Kenyans pose risk

The prime CS also highlighted another pressing concern. Some Kenyans rescued from human trafficking networks in Southeast Asia have received cybercrime training while trapped in scam compounds.

“A major concern is that rescued individuals now trained in cybercrime pose a national risk by potentially establishing scam operations in Kenya upon their return,” he said.

Mudavadi cited a case of a man arrested in Thailand for using a fake immigration stamp. The man had been repatriated in March 2025 but illegally returned to work for a Chinese-owned scam company in Myanmar. “This shows that some of the victims are not innocent but have become part of the criminal network,” Mudavadi said.

He warned that returnees with cyber skills could be exploited by organised criminal groups within Kenya. The government plans a nationwide awareness campaign, stronger legal frameworks, and enhanced support for reintegration of victims.

Since July 2022, Kenya’s embassy in Bangkok has rescued and repatriated about 500 citizens, while 126 remain stranded in Thailand and Myanmar, with others reportedly held by militias. Mudavadi said the embassy has provided timely advisories and labour information to prevent further cases.

The government is also expanding its diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia with a new embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, to monitor and protect Kenyans working in the region. Mudavadi urged job seekers to verify overseas offers through official channels to avoid falling victim to traffickers.