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Families of Kenyan Recruits Duped Into Fighting in Russia's War on Ukraine Demand Their Sons Return
Families demand prosecution of recruiters and repatriation of Kenyans forced to fight in Ukraine, with over 1,000 recruited and 89 still on the front lines, government says.
In Nairobi, families of Kenyan recruits petitioned Parliament and marched to stop recruitment for Russia's war, carrying photos and a banner demanding justice.
Kenya's government last month said more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited and at least 89 remain on front lines, while an intelligence report presented to Parliament by majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah alleged collusion by Russian and Kenyan officials with recruitment agencies.
Protesters highlighted confirmed casualties and missing relatives, reporting one death, 39 hospitalized, 28 missing, and two Kenyans charged with human trafficking.
Families pressed lawmakers for criminal action while diplomats pursue repatriation, urging prosecution for 'human trafficking' and forced recruitment as Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi plans a diplomatic trip.
Diplomatic precedent of swaps between Kyiv and Moscow frames release prospects as Yurii Tokar, Ukraine's ambassador to Kenya, said one Kenyan is a POW and noted Geneva Conventions govern releases.