A Kenyan man has been charged with human trafficking for allegedly recruiting young people to fight for the Russian army in Ukraine.

Kenya’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said Festus Omwamba is accused of sending 22 Kenyan youths to Russia through deception while operating a recruitment agency.

The victims were rescued last September from an apartment complex in Athi River before they could leave the country, while three others who had already travelled reportedly returned with injuries after fighting on the front line.

Omwamba pleaded not guilty at Kahawa Law Courts, with his lawyer dismissing the case as speculation.

Investigators believe he may be linked to a wider trafficking network that lures vulnerable people with promises of jobs in Europe. He was arrested earlier this month near the Ethiopian border.

A recent intelligence report indicates that more than 1,000 Kenyans have joined the Russian army in recent months, often after being misled about employment opportunities and forced to sign military contracts.

Dozens are said to remain on the front line, while others have been hospitalised or reported missing.

Meanwhile, the Gambian government has warned citizens against taking part in foreign conflicts following reports that several Gambians have died in overseas battlefields.

In a statement, the Ministry of Information said authorities had received credible information confirming that some Gambian nationals enlisted in foreign wars and lost their lives.

The government said it does not authorise or support Gambians to participate in overseas conflicts and extended condolences to affected families.