Kenyan Men Share Harrowing Experience After Being Lured into Russian Army Recruitment

By Our Reporter

A permanent mark on Victor’s arm serves as a daily reminder of a journey that began with hope but ended in trauma. What he believed would be a chance to earn a better living overseas instead placed him in a life-threatening situation far from home—one he considers himself fortunate to have survived.

Victor is one of four Kenyan men who have come forward to describe how they were drawn into a risky situation through false job promises. The others, identified as Mark, Erik, and Moses, have had their names changed to protect their identities.

Each man said he was approached in Nairobi with offers of attractive employment opportunities in Russia. Victor, aged 28, expected to work in sales. Mark, 32, and Moses, 27, were told they would be employed as security personnel. Erik, 37, believed he was being recruited for a professional sports opportunity.

They were promised monthly pay ranging from $1,000 to $3,000—figures that represented financial security and a fresh start. Recruiters described the jobs as legitimate and safe, giving the men confidence to accept the offers.

Before departure, they were added to WhatsApp groups where other Kenyans shared encouraging messages in Swahili, reinforcing the belief that they were heading toward rewarding careers and improved lives.

Soon after arrival, those expectations collapsed.

Victor said his first night was spent in an abandoned building far from the city. The following day, he was taken to a restricted facility where he was presented with documents written in a foreign language. He says he was pressured to sign without explanation and warned of serious consequences if he refused.

While recovering from injuries later on, Victor encountered other Kenyans who had traveled under similar circumstances. Many bore severe physical injuries, including missing limbs. According to Victor, they said they had been warned not to speak negatively or share their experiences with others back home.

Mark recalled being told that leaving early was only possible by paying a large sum of money—an amount none of them could afford. With no realistic option to return, many felt forced to remain.

Erik said he initially took part in what appeared to be sports training and signed paperwork he believed was related to athletics. Only later did he realize the agreement committed him to a far more dangerous role. By the next day, he found himself in an armed camp.

All four men said their compensation was either far below what was promised or nonexistent altogether, despite the risks they faced.

Their travel and placement were arranged through a Nairobi-based recruitment company that advertised overseas job opportunities. Since then, the agency has reportedly changed locations several times, making it difficult to track.

The men claim a key individual linked to the agency played a major role in coordinating their recruitment and travel, including transportation to the airport.

Before departure, medical examinations were required. Staff at one Nairobi clinic reported seeing a high number of young men undergoing similar checks within a short period. Clinic workers said that while some applicants appeared to understand the nature of the work ahead, many others did not.

Victor, Mark, Erik, and Moses all maintain that they were never clearly informed they would be exposed to life-threatening conditions. Their accounts suggest a pattern in which job seekers were misled and placed in extreme danger under false assurances.

Their experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the risks involved when employment offers abroad are not carefully verified and when hope is exploited at its most vulnerable point.