Gov’t denies Kenyan mercenaries are working in Ukraine
The Kenyan government has rejected accusations it has deployed mercenaries to Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei refuted these claims, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to international conventions against mercenary activities.
The response came after Russia alleged the presence of five Kenyan mercenaries fighting in Ukraine.
Sing’oei emphasized Kenya’s foreign policy principles of non-interference in other nations’ affairs, non-alignment in international disputes, and the pursuit of peaceful resolutions.
He termed the claims as false since Kenya is a signatory of the 1989 United Nations Convention on International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries”, and the “1977 OAU Convention for the Elimination of Mercenaries in Africa”.
“The Republic of Kenya notes the Russian Federation’s report on the “Number of Foreign Mercenaries in Ukraine” published on the X handle @mfa_russia,” Singoei said.
“Kenya rejects the allegations and dissociates herself from any alleged mercenary presence and activities in Ukraine. Kenya’s interaction with other State Actors of International Relations continues to be guided by her Foreign Policy of non-interference in affairs of other states, non-alignment as well as peaceful settlement of disputes.”
In a statement issued on Friday, Russia claimed that since February 2022, a total of 13,387 mercenaries arrived in Ukraine out of which 5,962 have been eliminated.
“Starting Feb 24, 2022, a total 13,387 foreign mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight for the neo-Nazis. Of those, 5,962 have been eliminated,” said Moscow.
Kenya is listed among 13 African countries reportedly sending mercenaries to Ukraine, with Russia reporting five Kenyan fighters and, fortunately, no casualties.
Nigeria is said to have the highest number of African mercenaries in Ukraine, with 97, and the continent as a whole has sent 249 fighters to the conflict, with 103 deaths. However, these figures remain unsubstantiated.
Russia also reports that 14 South African mercenaries have now been killed in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These individuals were fighting on the side of Kyiv since the war began in 2022.
Also read: Nikita Kering, Xenia Mannasseh top streamed Kenyan female muscians.