By HAN News Desk
NAIROBI — Kenyan authorities say more than 200 nationals could be fighting or trapped in the Russia-Ukraine war, after being recruited through shadowy labour networks operating in both Kenya and Russia.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, told reporters the government is responding to a growing humanitarian and security crisis involving Kenyan citizens abroad.
“These networks are exploiting our citizens, sending them into conflict zones under false pretenses,” Mudavadi said. He added that the government is coordinating with international partners to track the affected Kenyans, verify their locations, and ensure their safety and well-being.
Authorities have not released the names of the individuals involved but expressed concern over reports that some may be forced into combat or trapped in unsafe conditions. The government is urging Kenyans to avoid illegal recruitment schemes and is exploring diplomatic channels to secure the safe return of those affected.
The situation has raised alarms about the risk posed by criminal recruitment networks that exploit vulnerable citizens for foreign conflicts, highlighting the broader humanitarian and security implications for Kenya.
