Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has disclosed that 252 Kenyans are currently engaged in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Speaking on Tuesday, March 17, Mudavadi highlighted that the figure is based on records from the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, which has verified the individuals after direct contact.
He, however, noted that the actual number could be higher, as some Kenyans may have travelled to the conflict zone through third-party countries, making it difficult to track them through official channels.
Mudavadi Reveals Number of Kenyans Participating in Russia-Ukraine War. Photo: Courtesy.
Mudavadi further revealed that 11 Kenyan nationals have been reported missing in action in the ongoing conflict.
On Sunday, March 15, the Prime CS travelled to Moscow for a series of bilateral engagements with Russian officials.
According to a statement from his office, the talks are expected to address concerns surrounding Kenyans who may have been voluntarily or involuntarily recruited into the Russian military.
The government is also intensifying diplomatic efforts to engage Russian authorities in order to curb risks linked to misleading recruitment and false job promises that have seen Kenyans drawn into the conflict.
On Monday, March 16, Mudavadi announced that Kenya has taken a firm position to halt the enlistment of its citizens into the war.
He confirmed that the government had reached a clear decision to stop any further recruitment of Kenyans for military-related activities associated with Russia, following high-level consultations on the welfare and safety of citizens abroad.
