Gov't 'concerned' over Russia's claims on 5 Kenyans working as mercenaries in Ukraine

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.

In response, Kenya's Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Singoei said the government has noted the allegations "with concern" adding that "Kenya rejects the allegations and dissociates herself from any alleged mercenary presence and activities in Ukraine."

"The Government of Kenya has noted with concern the allegation that 5 individuals, perceived to be Kenyans, are serving as mercenaries in Ukraine."

"As a signatory to 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 Mercenarism in Africa", Kenya rejects the allegations and dissociates herself from any alleged mercenary presence and activities in Ukraine," said Dr Singoei in the statement.

He further stated: "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."

According to the report released by Russia on X (formerly Twitter), the alleged mercenaries are from various countries in Europe, America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

From Africa, the report claims 249 mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine out of which 103 have been killed in the battle.

The majority of the alleged fighters from Africa are from Nigeria (97), Algeria (60), South Africa (35), Guinea (10) and Senegal (15), according to the report.

The report further claims from Gabon, Liberia, Zimbabwe, and Equatorial Guinea there are 5 mercenaries from each of them, eight from Tunisia and one each from Libya and Ethiopia.