In Kenya, police have arrested Festus Omwamba, who is accused of tricking individuals into traveling to Ukraine to participate in the conflict there, promising them skilled work in Russia instead. He was apprehended in Moyale and later charged in Nairobi with the trafficking of 25 Kenyans last year. After returning from Russia, he attempted to escape but was caught following multiple reports from families concerned about their missing relatives in Ukraine.

As the investigation unfolds, it has become clear that over 1,000 Kenyans have reportedly been recruited to fight for Russia, with alarming statistics from the government indicating that at least 89 individuals remain active on the battlefield, dozens are hospitalized, 28 are unaccounted for, and one has been confirmed dead. The scenario has raised concerns among the Kenyan authorities about the potential collusion between rogue recruitment agencies and officials from both Kenya and Russia, which has been emphasized in an intelligence report presented to Parliament.

The Russian Embassy has denied any involvement, stating that they do not issue combat visas to foreign recruits and that enlistment is purely voluntary. For the individuals who have fallen victim to these recruitment schemes, what was initially a promise of employment has turned into a traumatic experience, as expressed by John Kamau, who was fortunate enough to escape the situation and is now speaking out about the dangers faced by many others lured by false promises.