Summary
Some Kenyans have been tricked into joining the Russia-Ukraine war under false pretenses of other job opportunities. Kenya's National Intelligence Service reported that over 1,000 Kenyans were recruited, with many unaware they would be involved in frontline combat. Families in Kenya are now asking the government for help to bring their loved ones home safely.
Key Facts
- Dancan Chege, a Kenyan, was promised a truck driving job in Russia but ended up on the front lines in Ukraine.
- Kenya's National Intelligence Service reported over 1,000 Kenyans recruited to fight in the war, with 89 on the front lines and others hospitalized or missing.
- Chege and others were lured with false job offers and fraudulently recruited for the war.
- Chege received a visa and plane ticket to Russia within days of accepting a supposed truck driving job.
- In Russia, Chege underwent combat training and was sent to Ukraine, given military gear, and told he must fight or die.
- Chege witnessed combat and saw many dead bodies, realizing he had been deceived about his role.
- Reports indicate that people from 36 African countries have ended up fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.
