The number of Kenyans recruited into the Russian army has reached 291, though the actual figure may be higher, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi. He informed the Senate on Thursday that some Kenyans traveled to Russia without government knowledge. This is an increase from the 252 reported to the National Assembly on April 1.

So far, 53 Kenyans have been repatriated, 19 are believed dead, 42 are missing, and two are held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. Mudavadi expressed concern that Kenyans are traveling to Russia via irregular routes, including through North African countries. Senators questioned the ministry's efforts to intervene, but Mudavadi defended the government, citing the dangers of the war zone for diplomatic staff.

In mid-March, Mudavadi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, where they agreed to remove Kenyans from Russian military service. Kenya is also drafting new laws to address illegal migration and is in talks with the Russian embassy to ensure compensation. Mudavadi warned that while amnesty has been offered for Kenyans to return home, it will not continue indefinitely. He also identified Southeast Asia's Golden Triangle, North Africa, and the Gulf region as high-risk areas for Kenyans seeking informal jobs.