Kenya faces a potential national tragedy as reports emerge of its youth being recruited to fight in the Russia–Ukraine war, says the Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
Muturi has called for immediate government action, accountability, and the safe return of those affected by the conflict, criticising slow and inadequate responses from key ministries.
On his X (formerly Twitter) post on Thursday, he expressed deep frustration at the government's "slow response."
"Today, the Government is issuing statements and speaking of 'looking into the matter.' That is not enough," he said, stressing that Kenyans require more than mere words.
"Kenyans do not need public relations responses. They need action. They need leadership. They need their children brought home."
The former CS emphasised Kenya’s obligations under international law, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2331 (2016), which addresses trafficking and exploitation in armed conflict.
"I reminded the country of Kenya’s obligations under international law, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2331 (2016), which speaks directly to trafficking and exploitation in situations of armed conflict," he said, highlighting the severity of the issue.
He called on the government to prioritise the safe return of its youth.
"We demand the immediate return of our people to Kenyan soil," Muturi said.
"The Government must stop hiding behind the language of investigations while families endure profound grief and uncertainty."
While investigations may continue, he stressed that "the first responsibility of the State is clear, secure the safe return of those who are alive and ensure that those who have tragically lost their lives are brought home with dignity and honour."
His warning comes in the midst of Kenyan nationals into the Russia–Ukraine conflict now being the subject of intense national scrutiny and government action.
According to a National Intelligence Service (NIS) report presented in Kenya’s Parliament, more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited and deployed into the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, mainly on the Russian side of the conflict.
Most were reportedly misled by rogue recruitment networks promising lucrative jobs abroad, including claims of well‑paid security, logistics and other civilian roles.
The recruitment appears to have begun in earnest around 2024, exploiting Kenya’s high youth unemployment and the perceived lure of attractive monthly salaries and bonuses, as well as promises of Russian citizenship for foreign recruits.
Many of those targeted were former military or police personnel, and unemployed civilians in their mid‑20s.
Recruiters allegedly used informal travel and visa routes through Turkey, the UAE and other countries to bypass scrutiny at Nairobi’s main international airport.
Once in Russia, however, recruits were being redirected to military training camps and then to the battlefield in Ukraine after minimal preparation.
Parliament‑presented intelligence shows current deployment figures include dozens hospitalised, some repatriated, others missing or on the front line, with a handful having completed contracts under these arrangements.
At least 10 deaths among Kenyan recruits have been reported, and others are believed missing or unaccounted for.
Muturi described the situation as more than an administrative oversight, framing it as a serious failure of governmental duty.
"This is not a minor administrative lapse. If young Kenyans were misled, trafficked, or facilitated into a foreign war zone under the watch of this administration, then this represents a grave failure of duty," he said.
He demanded accountability from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Labour. "The Ministries responsible, Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Labour, must answer plainly, Who authorised or permitted this recruitment, how many Kenyans are currently in the conflict zone and what concrete steps are being taken to secure their immediate return?" he wondered.
The Government of Kenya has taken steps to counter the phenomenon. Authorities have urged citizens to verify overseas employment offers through official channels, warned against fake job schemes and have begun repatriation efforts for those who want to return home.
Kenya’s diplomats, including those in Moscow, are engaged in efforts to identify and assist affected nationals, and law enforcement agencies have been called upon to crack down on illegal recruitment networks within the country.
Muturi warned that accountability should be transparent and uncompromising.
"Once our people are accounted for and brought home, those found culpable, whether private actors or public officials, must face the full wrath of the law. Accountability must not be cosmetic. It must be real, visible, and uncompromising," he said.
The former National Assembly Speaker urged the government to act before public pressure mounts.
"Kenya deserves a responsible government, one that protects its youth before tragedy strikes, not after public pressure mounts," Muturi said.
He affirmed solidarity with affected families, emphasising urgency and transparency. "We stand firmly with the affected families. We demand urgency. We demand transparency. We demand results."
