Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi. Russian and Kenyan officials, led by Mudavadi, have in the past held crucial meetings to address the plight of Kenyans detained in military camps across Russia /FILE

Read Also
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics
Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football
Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

My grandfather was enlisted to fight for the British in Burma (present-day Myanmar) from 1941 to 1945. The only things he brought home were a useless medal and traumatising stories. One of these was how he smuggled a Burmese mistress onto the return ship. The woman died during the voyage because he forgot to feed her. She had been hidden in the ship’s store.

The Burma campaign involved close to one million African soldiers. More than 100,000 came from East Africa. In 1944, the SS Khedive Ismail, which was ferrying African troops, was torpedoed.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

More than 900 soldiers were killed. Many others died in combat or from harsh conditions. These included monsoon rains, disease and difficult terrain. Thousands were injured.

A discriminatory compensation system meant some were never paid. African soldiers (Tirailleurs Sénégalais) who served France also faced severe punishment for demanding their wages. This was most evident in the 1944 Thiaroye massacre, where hundreds were killed while protesting.

These lessons should have warned Kenyans against joining wars they did not start and in which they have no direct interest. However, Europeans still favour African soldiers who can endure harsh conditions. These include extreme weather, disease and injury. This recalls General José Gervasio Artigas, who in 1820 enlisted 250 descendants of the Kamba community as soldiers.

Artigas chose them for their martial skills, archery and physical endurance. They gained nothing from their service. They even lost the land they had been given. Today, they depend on wathi wa mukamba dances and performance fees to survive and to highlight their two centuries of neglect.

Kenyans are now in shock after 33-year-old Festus Omwamba was exposed for recruiting more than 1,000 Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

This comes as media reports continue to show Kenyans being injured or killed in the war. These include retired soldiers and unemployed youth. A signing bonus of between Sh900,000 and Sh1.2 million is said to be tempting many desperate citizens despite the risks.

In another revelation, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of using deception to recruit more than 1,780 Africans from 36 countries. He said the trend is “crucial to counter” Ukraine’s military position on the front lines. Russia has denied illegally recruiting Africans.

However, reports indicate that citizens from countries including South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe are lured with promises of jobs. They end up on Ukrainian battlefields instead. The poorly trained recruits are reportedly being killed by drone-fired missiles.

Poverty is the main factor driving Africans into these schemes. It blinds many to the dangers of war. While the money is attractive, recruits ignore freezing weather, unfamiliar terrain and language barriers.

Some are misled by deceptive contracts. Modern warfare is complex. It requires rigorous training, mental readiness and psychological preparation. Most of these recruits lack all three.

It is deeply troubling that many signed up for civilian work. These included driving, caregiving and factory jobs. On arrival, they were redirected to the front lines.

These practices amount to modern slavery. On the battlefield, Africans are sent to the most dangerous positions. This happens despite their lack of military training. They are also given hazardous duties that threaten their health and lives.

The 36 African countries whose citizens are involved in the Russia–Ukraine war must act quickly. Their citizens must be rescued from these life-threatening deployments. The African Union must work with affected states to ensure their safe return home.

Kimanthi is an assistant director at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. He however writes in his personal capacity.Contacts: [email protected], www.lucaskimanthi.co.ke