France, Feb. 20 -- "We deny in the strongest possible terms the involvement of the embassy and its staff in rogue recruitment schemes," said a spokesperson for the embassy in Nairobi. "We refute any collusion with entities or individuals who would force or entrap Kenyans under false pretences."

According to a report compiled by Kenyan intelligence officers and presented to the country's MPs, more than 1,000 Kenyans have travelled to Russia and ended up on the battlefield in the country's war against Ukraine.

This figure is far higher than the 200 Kenyans cited by the authorities

Russia says it is aware that foreigners are fighting in its ranks, but has always presented them as volunteers.

"We denounce a dangerous and misleading propag...