Kenyan authorities have identified a total of 95 citizens who have been enlisted in the Russian army, according to a memo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released by the Daily Nation on February 18, 2026. This situation includes 27 individuals who have returned home, 33 new recruits, eight presumed dead, and nine who remain missing. As families begin to receive early returns, feelings of worry and frustration are rising among them as they search for their loved ones who are still unaccounted for.

One notable case is Vincent, who returned to Kenya last week after escaping from Novgorod in Russia. He and his friends managed to flee just before being deployed to the front lines. A supportive chaperone helped him arrange for a taxi that took them away from their place of accommodation to immigrate and facilitate their return home. This situation highlights the dangers faced by Kenyans in foreign military settings and raises questions about their recruitment by a foreign power like Russia.

The frustrations expressed by the families bring to light a significant issue regarding the Kenyan government’s role and responsibilities in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. As more news emerges about Kenyans enlisted with Russian forces, the government's diplomatic stance is under scrutiny, prompting a dialogue about the implications of international recruitment and the potential consequences for families affected by such decisions.