Overview
- Relatives marched in Nairobi on March 5 and submitted a petition demanding repatriation, clear answers on missing loved ones, and a formal ban on recruitment.
- An NIS report presented to parliament said more than 1,000 Kenyans were drawn in by false job offers, alleging collusion by rogue officials and trafficking syndicates.
- Kenya’s foreign ministry reported that 27 nationals have been rescued after being stranded in Russia, and the minister plans a visit this month for talks.
- The Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied illegal recruitment and said foreigners may volunteer, while Ukraine’s foreign minister estimated at least 1,780 Africans are fighting for Russia.
- Families recounted promises of security jobs or training that led to frontline deployment, with some relatives feared dead or missing and no official updates on their status.