How Unemployment Is Luring Kenyans Into the Russia–Ukraine War

Rising unemployment in Kenya is increasingly pushing young people to seek job opportunities abroad, a desperation that human traffickers and rogue recruiters are exploiting, with deadly consequences. From illegal online scam compounds in Myanmar to the battlefields of eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces are engaged, dozens of Kenyans have found themselves trapped in situations far removed from the jobs they were promised.

Over the past year, cases of Kenyans pursuing employment abroad only to end up in exploitative and dangerous conditions have been on the rise. Many leave the country in search of better livelihoods, only to discover too late that the opportunities offered by agents were false.

One such case emerged in February 2025, when several Kenyans were trafficked to Myanmar and forced to engage in online fraud under threat. The situation drew the attention of the Kenyan government, which coordinated with the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Border Guard Force (BGF) to rescue groups of 24 and 46 Kenyans from human trafficking networks.

By December 2025, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs revealed that at least 119 Kenyan nationals had been rescued from illegal online scam compounds in Myanmar, with efforts ongoing to secure the return of nearly 200 others still stranded in the conflict-hit region.

Incidents Reported of Kenyans Fighting in the Russia–Ukraine War

Beyond Southeast Asia, another disturbing trend has emerged: Kenyans being lured abroad with promises of well-paying jobs, only to be recruited into the war between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

In June 2025, human rights activist Alamin Kimathi shared a video showing Kenyans alongside Russian soldiers dressed in full military combat gear. He stated that several Kenyans had been captured by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region while fighting for Russia’s 102nd Regiment. The individuals identified,  Njenga (32), Felix (28), and Munene Njenga (36), reportedly had no prior military experience.

The issue gained wider attention in September 2025 after Kenyan athlete Evans Kibet made headlines locally and internationally.

According to Ukraine’s 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade, Kibet had travelled to Russia as a tourist before being tricked into enlisting in the Russian military. He was later captured near Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast.

Also Read: Ukraine Issues Warning After Killing of Kenyan Citizen

In a video released by the Ukrainian brigade, Evans said he was offered what appeared to be a job opportunity by his Russian host, who gave him documents to sign. Unbeknownst to him, the documents were part of a military enlistment contract.

“After signing, he took my passport and phone, promising to return them later. Then others came, told me to get into a car, and that’s how it all started,” Evans recounted.

At the time, the Kenyan government said up to 200 Kenyans were believed to be fighting for Russia and demanded their return.

Another tragic case is that of Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, a 29-year-old Kenyan who initially travelled to Qatar for work in 2024 before being recruited to fight for Russia. Mogesa was killed in a high-casualty assault in Donetsk in early 2026. His body was later recovered by Ukrainian forces, and his family appealed to the Kenyan government for help with repatriation.

A family member said Mogesa’s father had sold land to fund his son’s travel, hoping it would secure a better future for the family.

Another case involves David Kuloba, who was recruited under the pretense of a well-paying security guard job in Russia. After just two weeks of combat training, he was deployed to Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine. His unit was ambushed shortly after arrival. His father said he only learned that his son had joined the Russian army after he was injured.

The father said he had discouraged him from travelling, despite recruiters promising about $1,500 a month, a better offer for a driver in Kenya.

Similarly, Martin Macharia Mburu, a resident of Kiambu County, reportedly travelled to Russia in search of a driving job but was later killed while serving with the Russian army. He is said to have died on November 27, 2025, during an attack attributed to Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine Government Issues Update on Kenyans Involved in the War

The latest confirmed casualties include Ombwori Denis Bagaka, 39, and Wahome Simon Gititu, 35. Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence said the two were killed while fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region. Their bodies were found near that of Clinton Mogesa.

“All three Kenyans were lured into Russia’s war against Ukraine while working for security companies in Qatar that offered high and stable incomes,” Ukraine’s military said in a statement dated February 6, 2026.

However, not all victims lost their lives. Survivors Duncan Mwirigi and Duncan Chege have since returned to Kenya, saying they were promised well-paying driving jobs in Russia but were instead forced to join the Russian military.

Speaking in Malindi on February 5, 2026, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua warned Kenyans seeking employment abroad to verify recruitment agencies through the National Employment Authority.

“Do not accept any offer that requires using a visitor’s or tourist visa to secure a job abroad,” Mutua said. “Always use a proper employment visa. Many youths are suffering because they relied on unverified agencies.”

He also urged parents to conduct due diligence when their children seek jobs abroad, warning that desperation driven by unemployment is leaving many young Kenyans vulnerable to exploitation.

How to Join the Russian Military

Under Russian law, foreign nationals are allowed to enlist in the Russian army under fixed-term military contracts, a policy introduced in 2015.

Eligibility generally requires recruits to be aged between 18 and 30, have no criminal record, meet medical and physical fitness standards, and be able to understand and communicate in Russian.

Also Read: Ruto Responds to Reports of Kenyans Joining Ukraine Army

Enlistment is processed inside Russia through military recruitment offices and involves medical examinations, psychological screening, and the signing of a military oath. Foreign recruits are integrated into regular military units after brief training and may be deployed based on operational needs.

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Photo of Labor CS Alfred Mutua. PHOTO/Mutua X