Kenya uncovers trafficking ring sending citizens to fight in Ukraine

Kenyan authorities have dismantled a human trafficking ring accused of luring citizens to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war under the guise of employment opportunities in Moscow.
In an intelligence-led raid on the Great Wall Apartments on the outskirts of Nairobi, police rescued 22 Kenyans who were reportedly being “processed” for travel to Russia. Authorities seized travel documents, job offer letters, and recruitment materials. Investigators say the victims had signed contracts with an unnamed agency and paid up to $1,500 upfront, with promised job placements requiring as much as $18,000 in total.
One suspect, Edward Kamau Gituku, was arrested and detained for ten days pending further investigation. Kenyan officials believe he is a key figure in a transnational trafficking network, or a “mysterious trafficking syndicate”, as the police call it. A second individual, Russian businessman Mikhail Lyapin, was questioned by detectives but later left the country. The Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied any links between Lyapin and the alleged operation, dismissing reports of his arrest or deportation.
The scandal has shed light on a growing trend of African nationals — lured by fake promises of jobs, education, or athletics — being sent to fight for foreign militaries. Evans Kibet, a Kenyan athlete, recently appeared in a viral video from Ukraine claiming he was deceived into joining the Russian army and is now a prisoner of war. Kenyan officials have confirmed they are tracking similar cases and warned that many victims return home injured, traumatized, or not at all.