Some 200 Kenyans are fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine and more could be recruited into the conflict, authorities say.
Among them are former members of Kenya's security forces, according to Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
Some of those who have been rescued said they were forced to assemble drones and handle chemicals without proper training or protective gear, the minister added.
Kenyan President William Ruto last week requested the Ukrainian government to secure the release of Kenyans currently held in the conflict zone.
About 1,400 citizens from across Africa are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with some recruited through deception, the Ukraine government said last week.
A young Kenyan athlete captured in Ukraine in September claimed he had been tricked into joining the Russian army.
Recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African nationals, including Kenyans, Mudavadi stated in a press conference on Wednesday.
He added, Over 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military... recruitment networks are still active in both Kenya and Russia.
Kenya's embassy in Moscow has recorded injuries among some recruits, who were reportedly promised up to $18,000 (£14,000) to cover costs for visas, travel, and accommodation.
Mudavadi expressed concerns regarding the growing number of Kenyans recruited into forced criminality, such as drug trafficking, which poses a significant threat not only to Kenya's national security but to global security as well.
In September, Kenyan authorities rescued more than 20 nationals who were preparing to join the Russia-Ukraine war near the capital, Nairobi.
One person, suspected of coordinating the recruitment of Kenyans to Russia, was arrested and is facing prosecution.
The Kremlin's efforts to expand its influence in Africa have raised alarms, with other African nations, like South Africa, also investigating the circumstances surrounding their citizens caught up in the conflict.
