Kenya’s foreign minister says 19 citizens have died fighting on Ukraine’s frontline with dozens more missing amid growing national concern.
Speaking during Senate committee session Musalia Mudavadi said Kenyan enlistments in Russian army have risen to 291 from 250 previously.
Intelligence services estimate over 1,000 Kenyans recruited into Russian military via deceptive job promises according to officials and reports sources.
More details have emerged of Kenyans enlisted in Russian special forces Mudavadi told the Senate committee hearing in Nairobi parliament.
We have 19 Kenyans who may have died in Russia and 32 missing in action he said during briefing session.
Foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed to AFP that deaths occurred on front line in Ukraine conflict zone according to official statement.
Two Kenyans are being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine according to foreign minister statement to Senate committee session.
Mudavadi visited Moscow in March held talks to stop forced conscription of Kenyans amid escalating recruitment concerns in bilateral discussions.
Investigations show Russia lured African men with fake job offers forcing them into combat on Ukrainian front lines according reports.
These revelations have sparked outrage in Kenya over alleged exploitation of citizens abroad in Russian military recruitment schemes public debate.
Deputy foreign minister called Russia’s use of Kenyans unacceptable describing them as cannon fodder in strong diplomatic condemnation statement issued.