Brussels, (Unib Rashid) — A shocking revelation has emerged during the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War, alleging that Kenyan citizens are being recruited for the battlefield through deceptive overseas job offers.

Kenya’s parliamentary opposition leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, has accused individuals linked to the Russian embassy of collaborating with recruitment agencies and human-trafficking networks to enlist Kenyans for the war.

According to a report by the German news agency, Ichung’wah told parliament that Russian operatives were sending young people abroad under the pretext of employment, only for them to later find themselves deployed to combat zones.

Reports suggest that more than 1,000 Kenyan citizens may have already been recruited through these channels. Recruitment agencies are said to be targeting former soldiers, ex-police officers, and civilians between the ages of 25 and 50 who are actively seeking work overseas.

The recruits are reportedly promised attractive incentives, including a monthly salary of around 350,000 Kenyan shillings, bonuses ranging between 900,000 and 1.2 million shillings, and even the possibility of future Russian citizenship.

Most of the recruits reportedly leave Kenya on tourist visas. They typically transit through major international hubs such as Istanbul and Abu Dhabi on their way to Russia. However, after increased monitoring at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, alternative routes are allegedly being used through Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa to avoid detection.

Sources further claim that some recruitment networks may be colluding with corrupt airport officials to facilitate the departures.

As of February 2026, reports indicate that among the Kenyan nationals who traveled to Russia, 39 have been injured and hospitalized, 30 have been repatriated, 28 are missing, 35 are located in various camps or military bases, and 89 are reportedly fighting on the front line. One individual is currently in custody, while another has already completed his contract.

Analysts say economic hardship and the dream of overseas employment are pushing many young people into dangerous schemes whose consequences can often be severe.