Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said that the majority of Kenyans enlisted in Russia’s ongoing military operations did so voluntarily and with full knowledge of what they were signing up for, countering reports suggesting widespread deception in the recruitment process.
Speaking in the National Assembly where he addressed growing concern over the presence of Kenyans in the conflict, Mudavadi said those who travelled to Russia entered into formal contracts, taking up roles ranging from logistics support to active combat.
“Contrary to prevailing reports, majority of Kenyans enlisted in the Special Military Operations of Russia with full knowledge and willingly,” he said.
Mudavadi explained that many of the recruits were attracted by the financial incentives offered, which he described as significantly higher than what most could access locally.
“They signed contracts to participate either as logistics officers or for combat,” he noted.
According to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, recruits were enticed by upfront payments and monthly salaries, as well as long-term benefits tied to the contracts.
“The lucrative compensation ranging from Sh1.5 to Sh3 million upon joining, and monthly salary of Ksh.50,000 to Ksh.350,000, as well as promise of citizenship and hefty gratuity upon completion of the contract, has been a major motivation,” Mudavadi said.
His remarks provide a different perspective from earlier claims that some Kenyans may have been misled or trafficked into the conflict, instead pointing to economic factors as the primary driver behind the recruitment.
The revelation comes amid heightened scrutiny over the involvement of foreign nationals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Kenyan authorities facing pressure to clarify the circumstances under which citizens ended up in the war.
Mudavadi acknowledged the risks involved in such engagements, noting that participation in foreign military operations exposes individuals to grave danger, including injury, capture, or death.
Even so, he maintained that the government is actively engaging relevant international actors to safeguard the welfare of Kenyans already involved and to facilitate assistance where necessary.
According to data from Kenya’s Embassy in Moscow, approximately 252 Kenyans have been enlisted, although authorities cautioned that the figure could be higher due to difficulties in verification.
“The number could be higher, but the exact figure is yet to be conclusively established,” the statement noted.
The government reported that dozens of Kenyans have already been assisted to return home.
“To date, forty-seven Kenyans have been rescued, with the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow facilitating their safe repatriation,” the statement said.
