The government of Russsia has addressed the allegations surrounding the reported recruitment of Kenyan citizens in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In a statement on February 19, 2926, the Russian Embassy in Kenya dismissed what it described as a ‘dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign’ by the Kenyans.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation has noted with great concern that a dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign has been unfolding in the Kenyan media and public spaces,” the embassy stated.
“It is about cases of Kenyan citizens who travelled to the Russian Federation, joined the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and saw combat in the conflict in Ukraine”, it added.
According to the embassy, President Putin’s administration has never organised or facilitated the illegal recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian army.
“The Embassy refutes such allegations in the strongest possible terms. The Government authorities of Russia have never engaged in illegal recruitment of Kenyan citizens in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation”
However, government clarified that its law does not prohibit foreign nationals from voluntarily enlisting in its armed forces.
“It must be understood that the legislation of the Russian Federation does not preclude citizens of foreign countries from voluntarily enlisting in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation,” the embassy clarified.
The Russian government further called for a constructive dialogue with President William Ruto’s administration, noting that bilateral talks would help address the matter.
This comes a day after the National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed that a total of 1,000 Kenyans have so far been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
According to the report by NIS, at least one Kenyan has died, while several others have been brought back to the country either injured or traumatised.
The Russian government denied claims of recruiting Kenyans into army
