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Festus Omwamba, a key figure accused of orchestrating a massive recruitment pipeline for the Russian military, has been formally charged with human trafficking in Kenya.
Omwamba, the director of Global Face Limited, was brought before the court on Thursday following a high-stakes investigation into his company’s activities.
The state prosecutor alleges that his network was responsible for sending more than 1,000 Kenyans to join the Russian army amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The formal charges follow Omwamba’s earlier arrest by police, which took place during a major crackdown on human trafficking rings operating within the country.
𝐃𝐏𝐏 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged the director of Global Face Limited with recruiting Kenyan youths to Russia.… pic.twitter.com/lvaEAmWvvs
— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) February 26, 2026
In September, law enforcement launched a targeted operation that led to his initial detention and the successful rescue of 22 individuals who were allegedly being prepared for transport to Russia. These victims are believed to have been lured by the promise of lucrative employment, only to be funnelled into military service.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Global Face Limited acted as a front for a sophisticated trafficking operation.
The state’s case suggests that the company exploited the economic desperation of young Kenyans, promising them legitimate jobs before stripping them of their autonomy and sending them to the frontlines.
The 22 rescued victims have since been providing testimony that assisted the government in building its criminal case against the director.
This prosecution marks a significant step in Kenya’s efforts to dismantle recruitment networks that feed foreign conflicts.
As Omwamba faces the judiciary, the case has highlighted the growing danger of mercenary recruitment schemes across the continent.
Authorities have signalled that the investigation remains open as they work to identify other accomplices and track the fate of the hundreds of Kenyans who have already been sent abroad.
