Kenya and Russia Agree to Exclude Kenyans from Ukrainian Conflict Efforts

Kenyan Foreign Minister Meets Russian Counterpart Amid Reports of Recruitments

Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Monday in Moscow, Russia. The meeting came amid reports that hundreds of Kenyans had been recruited to fight alongside Russian soldiers in Ukraine.

According to Mudavadi, the two countries have agreed that no further recruitment of Kenyan citizens will take place through the Russian Ministry of Defence. This decision was made following discussions about the welfare of Kenyans who are currently in Russia and involved in military operations.

Mudavadi stated that consular services would be provided for those Kenyans requiring assistance, to be organized through proper diplomatic channels. He emphasized that Kenya’s partnership with Russia is broader than just the current situation in Ukraine.

Lavrov acknowledged that the Russian Defence Ministry is investigating cases that have caused concern among Kenyan citizens. However, he clarified that no one is being forced to enlist, and that Kenyan citizens had voluntarily signed contracts to fight alongside the Russian army.

The meeting between Mudavadi and Lavrov follows reports of widespread recruitment of foreign nationals by Russia in Ukraine. A Kenyan intelligence report presented to lawmakers earlier this year estimated that over 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight on Russia’s side in the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera