Mwelekeo TV has brought to light a troubling issue affecting young people in Kenya. The station recently shared a report about how some Kenyan youth are being misled into joining the Russian army after being promised fast and easy money.
The story has raised serious concerns among families and leaders about the safety of young Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad.
During an in depth interview aired on the station, host Kevin Waswa spoke with Issa Juma, a young man from Mombasa who managed to return home after going through a painful experience in Russia.
Issa opened up about how he was approached through social media by agents who claimed they could connect him to a well paying job overseas.
He was promised KSh 1.6 million within five days of arrival and a monthly salary of KSh 280,000.
The offer sounded genuine and life changing.Believing he had found a good opportunity to support his family, Issa informed his wife and relatives that he was traveling to Qatar for work.
He did not know that he was walking into a dangerous situation. When he arrived in St. Petersburg, he says his passport and mobile phone were taken away.
Communication with home became impossible, and he quickly realized that things were not as he had been told.Issa explained that he was given only two weeks of quick military training. The training mainly involved learning simple commands in Russian. Many recruits did not fully understand what they were being taught.Despite this, they were sent to the frontline. According to Issa, the conditions were extremely harsh. He spoke of constant drone attacks and fear among the recruits.
He also claimed that African recruits faced discrimination and were often placed in more exposed positions.He shared that he saw fellow Kenyans lose their lives during the fighting.
At times, he survived by hiding during heavy bombardments.
The experience left him traumatized and deeply regretful. The financial promises that had convinced him to travel also failed.
Although money was said to have been deposited into their bank accounts, the funds were frozen and could not be accessed.
Issa believes that pressure from Kenyan bloggers and action by the government played a role in helping them return home.
After weeks of uncertainty, he was finally repatriated and reunited with his family.
Mwelekeo TV has once again shown its commitment to informing the public about important national issues.
The station provided a platform for a firsthand account that may help prevent others from falling into similar traps.
Issa’s message to young Kenyans was clear and emotional. He urged them not to trust online agents who promise quick wealth abroad. He warned that some opportunities that look attractive can hide serious danger.
His story stands as a strong reminder that careful research and caution are necessary before accepting any overseas job offer.
