A Kenyan man has been charged with human trafficking for allegedly recruiting youths to fight in Ukraine.
Festus Arasa Omwamba, 33, director of Global Face Limited, appeared before a Nairobi court accused of exploiting 22 young Kenyans.
He pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Gideon Kiage, denying all claims of luring victims with false promises of employment abroad.
Prosecutors said the alleged recruitment took place between Dec. 1, 2024, and Sept. 24, 2025, at Great Wall Gardens, Athi River.
The gated community in Mavoko sub-county, about 30 kilometres southeast of Nairobi, became the centre of a high-stakes trafficking operation.
Authorities said the youths were promised lucrative jobs abroad but were allegedly exploited for military deployment in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Investigators reported that the 22 victims were rescued on Sept. 24, 2025, in a coordinated operation by Kenyan security agencies.
Three others had already travelled to Russia and later returned with injuries after allegedly facing combat on Ukraine’s front lines.
Prosecutor Kennedy Amwayi urged the court to keep the suspect in custody, citing the severity of charges and risk of flight.
The court ordered Omwamba to remain in police detention while his bond and bail applications are reviewed in coming hearings.
The case has intensified fears in Kenya over deceptive recruitment networks exploiting citizens with foreign job offers tied to conflict zones.
Officials have confirmed some Kenyans have died in the Russia-Ukraine war, warning the public to exercise extreme caution when seeking overseas work.
