By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Authorities in Kenya have announced that citizens who enlisted to fight for
Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine will be granted
amnesty upon their return and will not face punishment.
The announcement was made by Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi,
following his recent visit to Moscow, where discussions were held on
the recruitment of Kenyan nationals into the conflict.
Kenya Secures Halt To Recruitment
During the visit, both sides reportedly agreed that no more Kenyans would
be recruited for the war, which has now entered its fourth year.
Under Kenyan law, it is illegal for citizens to be enlisted into
foreign military forces, an offence punishable by up to
10 years imprisonment.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry estimates that 252 Kenyan citizens have been
illegally conscripted to fight on the front lines, a trend that began roughly
six months ago and has also involved recruits from other
African countries.
Kenyans Lured With Job Promises
Some Kenyans who travelled to Russia said they were initially promised
well-paid civilian jobs, only to later find themselves
forced into military service in Ukraine.
Many reportedly signed contracts written in Russian without
fully understanding the terms of the agreement.
“So far 44 Kenyans have been safely repatriated back home while 11 have been
reported missing in action or killed in action. Thirty-eight are currently
hospitalised in various Russian hospitals under restricted access, leaving
160 Kenyan officers still actively involved,” Mudavadi said in a statement.
Deal Reached For Soldiers To Return Home
Mudavadi also negotiated an agreement that would allow Kenyan nationals
currently on the battlefield who are unwilling to continue fighting
to disengage and return home safely.
According to Kenya’s foreign ministry, Moscow has placed Kenya on what it
described as a “stop list” to prevent further recruitment
of Kenyan citizens into the conflict.
Russia has previously maintained that all foreign fighters joined
voluntarily and in full compliance with Russian law.
Efforts To Stop Illegal Recruitment
Kenya and Russia also agreed to strengthen cooperation aimed at
combating human trafficking, smuggling and illegal recruitment
linked to the war effort.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022,
triggering one of the most significant geopolitical conflicts in recent years.
Mudavadi’s visit to Moscow followed increasing public pressure from
families of Kenyans who had travelled to Russia, many of whom had been
calling on the government to intervene and secure the return of their
relatives.
