The Russian Embassy in Kenya has denied reports that Moscow is enlisting Kenyan nationals to fight in Ukraine.
The embassy termed the allegations “dangerous and false” in a statement issued Thursday. However, it noted that some Kenyans had travelled to Russia and freely joined its Armed Forces.
“The government authorities of Russia have never engaged in illegal recruitment of Kenyan citizens,” the statement noted.
“At no point has the embassy issued visas to Kenyans to participate in military operations in Ukraine, nor has it encouraged any citizen to do so.”
The Russian law permits foreign nationals lawfully staying in the country to join its military forces voluntarily, the embassy emphasised. It denied any cooperation with people or organisations to entice or force Kenyans to join the war. The statement also emphasised the continuous exchange of information between Kenyan and Russian authorities, pointing out that both parties have been discussing bilateral agreements and protocols on issues including travel plans, labour migration, and coordination between law enforcement agencies.
In order to resolve valid issues and formally establish collaboration, the embassy stated that it was still open to a “constructive and depoliticised engagement” with the Kenyan government. The announcement was made just hours after relatives of Kenyans who were allegedly enlisted in the Russian military pleaded with the government for immediate action, pointing to allegations of forced combat deployment, deceit, and trafficking.