The National Assembly has demanded urgent government intervention following reports that several Kenyans were coerced into joining the Russian military and deployed to the frontlines of the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Raising the matter on the floor of the House on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Bonchari MP, Hon. Charles Onychoke sought a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the Reported coercion of two (2) Kenyan Citizens into military service in the Russian Federation.

Hon. Onchonke said the two victims, Mr. Clinton Mogisa and Mr. Justice Ombati, both from Bonchari Constituency, travelled to Russia in search of jobs as security guards but were forced to sign military contracts on arrival. “Mr Ombati is said to be hospitalised at the Platinum City Clinical Hospital in Moscow after sustaining serious injuries, while the family of Mr. Nyapara learnt through social media that he died in combat,” he said.

Legislators spoke of similar cases in their constituencies. Kilgoris MP, Hon. Julius Sunkuli revealed that at least 12 young men from his area were allegedly duped by a recruitment agency based in Nairobi and taken to Russia under false pretenses. “These youths were allegedly trained in Athi River, told to open bank accounts they cannot access, and then vanished. Their families have no contact with them,” said Hon. Sunkuli.

Committee Vice Chairperson on Administration and Internal Security, Hon. Dido Rasso termed the act criminal, saying it amounted to mercenary recruitment. “A country cannot conscript foreign nationals. Those Kenyans fighting in a foreign war are mercenaries, and the law is clear which is illegal,” he stated.

National Assembly Speaker, Hon. Moses Wetang’ula described the matter as grave, noting that more families from across the country had come forward with similar complaints. “I have personally spoken to our Ambassador in Moscow and to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He insists the Russian government is not involved and that those dying at the frontlines are buried in mass graves,” the Speaker told the House.

The Majority Leader, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, was directed by the Speaker Wetang’ula to liaise with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to track down those behind the fraudulent recruitment.

Committee Chairperson on Administration and Internal Security, Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, said investigations were underway. “We are working with the relevant agencies to identify and prosecute those luring Kenyans into foreign conflicts. No Kenyan should be deceived into risking their life for a war that is not ours,” he said.

Speaker Wetang’ula further urged the Government to issue an immediate public advisory warning Kenyans that there are no legitimate job opportunities in Russia, and that such offers are a front for recruitment into a war zone.