Overview
- Kenya’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited, with 89 on the front line, 39 hospitalized, 28 missing and at least one confirmed dead.
- The report describes a network using false job offers and tourist visas, initial routes via Türkiye and the UAE, and later departures through Uganda, South Africa and the DRC to evade tighter checks.
- Kenyan officials say rogue airport, immigration and employment staff—and personnel at the Russian and Kenyan embassies—facilitated travel; the Russian Embassy denies any illegal recruitment or visa facilitation but notes foreigners may voluntarily enlist under Russian law.
- Families of Kenyan recruits protested in Nairobi, prepared petitions, and pressed for repatriations as authorities reported recent rescues and ongoing seizures of documents, devices and bank accounts linked to suspects.
- In South Africa, four men who said they were deceived into fighting for Russia arrived back in Johannesburg after presidential-level talks, with police inquiries continuing and the government working to assist others who sent distress calls.