A tragic story out of Ruaka has drawn attention to a growing recruitment scandal: a Kenyan man, previously working as a matatu driver, travelled to Russia in October 2025 believing he had secured a legitimate job — only to be coerced into military service and later killed on the front lines in Ukraine.
The man, identified as Martin Macharia Mburu, left for Russia on October 21, 2025, after being promised a driving job.
Immediately upon arrival, however, he was reportedly forced into the ranks of the Russian military.
According to sources cited by the media, Macharia underwent only three days of weapons training before being deployed to the front lines — a deployment that ended in his death on November 27, 2025.
At least one recruitment agent has been arrested. Authorities acting under Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismantled a ring operating out of Athi River.
In a raid in September 2025, they rescued more than 20 Kenyans who had been promised jobs abroad — only to be destined for military service.
The scheme reportedly entailed victims paying between KSh 1.65 million and KSh 2.31 million for visas, travel, accommodation, and logistics.
Some paid initial deposits of KSh 50,000 to 100,000 after being promised monthly salaries of around KSh 200,000.
Official data from November 2025 indicates that more than 200 Kenyans may already be serving with Russian forces in Ukraine — some of whom are former members of Kenya’s security services.
This has prompted concerns that vulnerable Kenyans are being exploited amid Russia’s search for manpower.
Survivors of the recruitment rings report harsh conditions: some were deployed without adequate training, while others were assigned to assemble drones or handle hazardous chemicals — tasks for which they had no prior skills or protective gear.
Many of those who escaped warzones or were repatriated say they suffered injuries, torture wounds, or serious psychological trauma.
In response, the government has ramped up warnings.
Officials urge citizens to avoid suspicious employment offers abroad, particularly from unlicensed agencies, and to rely on vetted channels such as the National Employment Agency (NEA) for overseas job placement.