Name: Kenyans ‘lured’ to fight for Russia on Ukraine’s front line
Uploaded: 2026-01-11T16:17:06.763Z
Duration: 2 min 35 s
Description: Kenya’s unemployment crisis is pushing many young people into desperation. With few jobs at home, some are chasing opportunities abroad no matter how dangerous.

Kenya’s unemployment crisis is pushing many young people into desperation. With few jobs at home, some are chasing opportunities abroad no matter how dangerous.

Nairobi

Reports have emerged that hundreds of Kenyans have been deceived into traveling to Russia under the pretense of legitimate employment, only to be sent to fight on the front lines of the conflict with Ukraine. Many were reportedly promised jobs such as security guards, but after minimal training and without prior military experience, found themselves in active combat. 

Kenya's foreign cabinet secretary estimates that more than 200 Kenyans are currently involved in the conflict, having been recruited by agencies operating across Africa. Some of these agencies have faced legal action, and the Kenyan government is now working with Russian authorities to assist affected citizens. Despite the risks, some young Kenyans continue to seek opportunities abroad, driven by economic desperation.

Kenyans ‘lured’ to fight for Russia on Ukraine’s front line

A mother's worst nightmare. I'm sorry David succumbed to a missile attack. We were together. I also got injuries in the hospital. I don't know what to say. My heart is torn into pieces. This is the message Susan Kuloba received from Russia a month ago, telling her of her son David's death. The 22-year-old was among hundreds of Kenyans who say they were lured to Russia to fight on the frontlines of the war with Ukraine. Some say money, deception and contracts they didn't understand thrust them into a war zone. Kuloba says her son was told he was going to work as a security guard. David's training took about two weeks. And remember that these are people who had not been trained in military at all. So how did you feel mum when you saw these pictures of him training? I was torn apart because I knew... He's never done anything like that. He was never even a scout. To be trained within two weeks, it was awkward. Kenya's foreign cabinet secretary says more than 200 Kenyans are fighting for Russia in a war that's not theirs. Many were duped by recruiting agencies operating across Africa. Some of those agents have since been charged in court. The government of Kenya is now facing a rescue mission kind of situation. So these are difficult issues. Trying to piece the information together, working with the authorities in Russia using diplomatic channels. This man recently returned from the front line. He asked us to hide his identity. He was later injured after being hit by a drone. The drone hit me here and here, another one here. These are marks from where the bullets were removed. He eventually found his way back home. Now he's helping others lured into the war. But despite the obvious danger, many young Kenyans are still trying to make the journey. Driven by desperation and hoping for luck. Catherine Soyi, Al Jazeera, Nairobi.

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