More than 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries are believed to be fighting alongside Russian soldiers in Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s estimates in February. “His excellency has conversed with us on the ⁠issue of the welfare of Kenyans who are in Russia and more specifically those who are involved in the special operation,” Mudavadi said. Mudavadi added that consular services would be organised for those Kenyans requiring assistance through proper diplomatic channels. A Kenyan intelligence report presented to lawmakers in February said that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight on Russia’s side in the war in Ukraine, five times more than authorities had previously estimated. Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been widely accused of recruiting foreign nationals to fight alongside its army. In November, reports emerged that a group of South Africans ages 20-39 had travelled to Russia expecting to receive security training.