Russia Denies Issuing Visas to Kenyans for Fighting Against Ukraine

The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Kenya on Thursday denied allegations that it issued visas or engaged in recruitment of Kenyan citizens to fight in Ukraine, following media reports linking Kenyans to Russia’s military campaign.

In an official statement, the embassy said it had noted “with great concern” what it described as a “dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign” in Kenyan media and public discourse regarding citizens who travelled to Russia, joined the Russian armed forces, and saw combat in the conflict in Ukraine.

The statement follows public scrutiny and accusations directed at the Russian diplomatic mission in Nairobi and its staff over alleged involvement in recruitment schemes targeting Kenyans for deployment in the war in Ukraine.

“The Embassy refutes such allegations in the strongest possible terms,” the statement said.

The embassy further stated that Russian government authorities “have never engaged in illegal recruitment of Kenyan citizens” into the Armed Forces. It added that at no time during what Moscow refers to as the Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine did the embassy issue visas to Kenyan nationals who declared an intention to participate in combat.

“Nor has the Embassy been encouraging any Kenyan citizen to do so, let alone colluding with any entities or individuals to coerce or lure Kenyans into participating in the SMO under false pretext,” the statement added.

However, the embassy acknowledged that Russian law does not prohibit foreign nationals from voluntarily enlisting in the country’s armed forces, provided they are in Russia on a legal basis. It said such individuals may choose to join what it described as the battle against “NATO-backed Ukrainian Nazism” alongside Russian servicemen.

The embassy noted that the governments of Russia and Kenya have remained in close contact on the matter. It said it is open to “constructive and depoliticized dialogue” with Kenyan authorities to address concerns and formalize cooperation.

The statement also referenced draft bilateral agreements and protocols under consideration, including frameworks related to labour migration, travel arrangements, and coordination between law enforcement and security agencies. It said finalizing these arrangements would help establish a clearer structure for Russia-Kenya collaboration.

The embassy’s response also follows social media posts by Kenyan activist and 2027 presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi, who alleged that several Kenyans are currently serving in the Russian military.

In a February 15 post, Mwangi said he had been in contact with Kenyan nationals in Russia and claimed that Kenya’s embassy in Moscow had refused to assist them. He named three individuals — Nicholas Kaino Kiprotich, Samuel Maina Kariuki and Kelvin Lemashon — and said they were in Taunishevka in western Russia awaiting deployment.

“None of their friends who have been sent to the frontline has come back alive,” Mwangi wrote, adding that two men identified as David and Reuben had died.

On February 19, Mwangi alleged that Samuel Maina had been injured and hospitalized and could face detention for refusing further training and redeployment. He also claimed that Kiprotich and Lemashon were in jail for refusing deployment to the frontline.

The conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has drawn foreign fighters on both sides and remains a point of international diplomatic tension.