Kenya FM to visit Russia over forced conscripts in Ukraine
Kenya's foreign minister plans to visit Moscow in response to the recruitment of Kenyans for military service in Ukraine under false pretenses for lucrative jobs.
Kenya's Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced plans for a visit to Moscow next month following reports of Kenyans being lured to Russia with false promises of high-paying jobs, only to find themselves conscripted into the military to fight in Ukraine. This troubling trend has emerged recently, with various accounts documenting how individuals without any military backgrounds are being misled into signing contracts for military service, subsequently ending up at the battlefront. Mounting casualties among those deceived highlight the urgency of the situation.
An investigation by AFP brought to light the personal stories of four men who were targeted by these recruitment schemes. These men were initially seeking employment opportunities, expecting roles as salesmen or security guards, yet found themselves with contracts written in Russian, which they could not understand. This deception has led to dire consequences, as multiple reports indicate that some of these individuals have lost their lives or suffered serious injuries while fighting in Ukraine. The Kenyan government is now confronting the implications of this issue, seeking to address the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Mudavadi emphasized the Kenyan government's commitment to stopping this exploitation, stating the need for urgent action to