Ichung’wah exposes rogue State network as 1,000 Kenyans trafficked to Russia war
Ichung’wah exposes rogue State network as 1,000 Kenyans trafficked to Russia war
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has revealed what he described as a disturbing network of rogue government officials colluding with human trafficking syndicates to recruit and facilitate the movement of Kenyans to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Addressing the National Assembly, Ichung’wah said a joint investigation by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had uncovered collusion involving officers in immigration, security agencies and even diplomatic missions.
“There has been collusion between officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, the Directorate of Immigration Services and the National Employment Authority,” Ichung’wah revealed, warning that no official implicated in the scheme would be spared.
“The ministries concerned… must be able to pinpoint who these particular officers are and hold them to account. Government offices are not to be used for criminal activities.”
The Kikuyu Member of Parliament also demanded accountability within Kenya’s foreign missions, singling out the embassy in Moscow.
“Our ambassador in Moscow must be able to identify the officers within the embassy that may have colluded with these criminals. Our embassy must be beyond reproach. It must be the place where Kenyans can seek refuge, not exploitation,” he said.
David Maraga convoy stoned in Tharaka Nithi
Starlink sets deadline as it warns of service suspension for Kenyan users
Wetangula kicks out MP Kibagendi from Parliament over remarks made on TV
CS Mbadi softens stance on Sifuna and Babu Owino after meeting Luo elders
Ichung’wah told the House that more than 1,000 Kenyans have already been recruited and trafficked to Russia to fight in the conflict, many lured by promises of lucrative pay and foreign citizenship.
“The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continues to trigger the recruitment of foreign fighters by the Russian military through rogue recruitment agencies and individuals in Kenya,” he said.
According to the findings, recruiters target former military officers, police officers and unemployed civilians, offering monthly salaries of up to Ksh.350,000 and bonuses of up to Ksh.1.2 million.
Many, however, reportedly end up on the front line after minimal training.
“They are told you are going to work as a guard… only to get to those countries and you are taken to military camps,” Ichung’wah said.
“You’ve only trained for three weeks… They are basically just giving you a gun to go and die.”
The investigation outlined the toll on those already deployed, 39 Kenyans hospitalized, 30 repatriated, 28 missing in action, 89 still on the front line, one detained, and another having completed his contract as of February 2026.
Governor Kangata hospitalised after accident
Government responds to claims of a plan to reduce civil servants’ salaries after SRC pay rise
Gladys Wanga heckled while pushing ODM agenda as supporters chant Babu Owino’s name
KUCCPS unveils minimum subject requirements for degree courses under various clusters
Follow us
