In brief
Kenyans who have fought for Russia in Ukraine will receive amnesty upon return, according to the foreign minister. This follows a significant visit to Moscow aimed at resolving the recruitment issue, with the Kenyan government taking steps to halt further illegal enlistments and repatriate its citizens.
Kenyans enlisted to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine will be granted amnesty on their return home, according to the East African country's foreign minister. This decision follows Musalia Mudavadi's recent visit to Moscow, where it was agreed that no more Kenyans would be recruited. Under Kenyan law, it's illegal for citizens to be conscripted into foreign armies - an offense that could lead to up to a 10-year prison sentence.The foreign ministry estimates that around 252 Kenyans have been illegally conscripted to fight on the front lines, a trend that has emerged over the last six months, also involving recruits from other African nations. Many Kenyans have recounted that they were seduced into fighting with promises of lucrative civilian jobs, only to find themselves fighting on the battlefield - often signing contracts in Russian, which they did not fully understand.As of now, 44 Kenyans have been repatriated, while 11 are reported missing in action or killed. The Kenyan government has also negotiated for those unwilling to continue their assignments to safely return home. Additionally, the two nations have established a 'stop list' to prevent further recruitment of Kenyans into Russian military efforts.Mudavadi's trip to Moscow was largely influenced by public pressure from families of those who had traveled to Russia. Kenyan authorities have previously shut down numerous recruitment agencies implicated in deceptive practices, and efforts are underway to combat human trafficking and illegal recruitment related to the conflict in Ukraine. Observers note that Ukrainian intelligence has identified over 1,700 foreign fighters from various African countries enlisted to fight for Russia.
