16 Kenyans missing amid fears of recruitment into Russian military
National
By
Mike Kihaki
| Apr 02, 2026
At least 16 Kenyans are missing in Russia as the government raises concern over a growing number of citizens recruited into the country’s military operations.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi told the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, on Thursday that some 16 Kenyans are missing in action, 38 are hospitalised, and many remain deployed in the conflict zone.
Mudavadi attributed the data from Kenya’s embassy in Moscow, which shows about 252 Kenyans may have been enlisted, though the figure could vary.
“As of April 1, sixteen Kenyans had been reported missing in action. We cannot conclusively confirm whether they are dead or captured,” Mudavadi said.
He added that 38 Kenyans are admitted to hospitals in Russia under restricted access, while about 165 remain in active deployment.
READ MORE
New law aims to protect internal auditors, strengthen public oversight
Ruto launches Sh5.5 billion plan to revamp Voi-Taveta metre gauge railway
Why underwriting is shifting as risk grows more complex
World Bank approves Sh71 billion for Isiolo-Mandera road construction
Banks double lending target to small businesses to hit Sh326b
Contradictions in rural economies 13 years into devolved governance
Return of the bitter pill: Kenya softens IMF stance as Iran shock bites
Court clears way for Sh619 billion EABL shares sale
JKUAT to assemble 3,000 computers for digital hubs countrywide
Jubilee Holdings profit jumps 18 per cent on increased revenue
Mudavadi said diplomatic efforts have led to the rescue and repatriation of 47 Kenyans, despite limited staffing at the Moscow embassy.
“We have to appreciate how lean the team in Russia is. The Kenyan embassy in Russia has only six staff, the ambassador and five officers, yet they have managed to facilitate the rescue of 47 Kenyans,” he said.
During a recent visit to Moscow, the CS said he engaged Russian authorities on arrangements to facilitate the transfer and eventual repatriation of affected Kenyans.
Investigations show many recruits travelled voluntarily, drawn by promises of lucrative pay. According to him, they signed contracts for roles ranging from logistics to combat.
The government now says recruits are offered signing bonuses of between Sh1.5 million and Sh3 million, monthly salaries of Sh50,000 to Sh300,000, and the possibility of Russian citizenship.
He warned Kenyans against pursuing such opportunities, saying authorities have moved to curb the trend, and linked the recruitment to rogue agencies operating in Kenya, Russia, and third countries, including the Middle East, often using tourist visas and indirect travel routes.
The government has since deregistered 600 non-compliant recruitment agencies and launched a multi-agency investigation led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.