Families of Kenyans recruited to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine have petitioned parliament, demanding urgent intervention from the government to help bring their loved ones back home.
The families gathered outside parliament in Nairobi on Thursday holding photos of their sons, with some chanting “Bring back our sons.” Many said their relatives travelled to Russia after being promised well-paying jobs, only to later discover they had been recruited to fight on the front lines of the conflict.
Speaking during the protest, Odhiambo Ojiro, a rapid response officer with the human rights organisation Vocal Africa, called on the Kenyan government to take immediate action and engage with the affected families. He said authorities must investigate the recruitment networks responsible for sending Kenyans into the war.
An intelligence report presented to parliament by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah revealed that recruitment agencies allegedly worked with individuals linked to officials in both Kenya and Russia to recruit Kenyans to join the fighting in Ukraine.
The Kenyan government has previously said that more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Officials also confirmed that 89 Kenyans remain on the battlefield, 39 have been hospitalised, and 28 are missing in action. Several others have already returned to Kenya, while one death has been confirmed.
Among the families speaking out was Monica Wanjiku Gwere, the grandmother of a 28-year-old Kenyan who travelled to Russia in 2025. She appealed to the government to help return their relatives home, saying the families have been living in pain and uncertainty.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said he plans to travel to Russia as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at stopping the recruitment of Kenyans and assisting those already caught up in the conflict. The government also said it is working to secure the release of Kenyans reportedly being held in Ukraine as prisoners of war and to facilitate the return of those still in Russia.
Families and activists insist that Kenyans should not be involved in a foreign war and are calling for those responsible for recruiting them to be held accountable. Authorities have already charged two Kenyans in connection with the recruitment scheme, which rights groups say may amount to human trafficking and forced recruitment.
