Two more Kenyans fighting for the Russian army have been killed in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported on Friday, February 6, that the bodies of two Kenyans recruited to fight for Russia were recovered in the vicinity of Lyman City, in Donetsk.
“Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reports that the bodies of two more Kenyan citizens who were recruited by the aggressor state of Russia to wage a criminal war against our state have been found in the vicinity of the city of Lyman in the Donetsk region,” read the statement from Ukraine’s military intelligence unit.
The deaths of the two Kenyans come against the background of concerns over the growing number of Africans drafted into the Russian army unlawfully.
Recently, there have been increased complaints from Kenyans who travelled abroad under questionable arrangements, including some who used the wrong visa categories or were misled about the nature of the work awaiting them.
Kenyans have also questioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labor about the rise in cases of Kenyans duped into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Also Read: How Kenyans Are Secretly Recruited to Fight for Russia for Ksh280,000 a Month
Two More Kenyans Die Fighting for Russia
The two Kenyans, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence stated, are Ombwori Denis Bagaka and Wahome Simon Gititu.
According to UDI, their remains were discovered beside the body of another Kenyan, Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, who was discovered dead on January 31, 2025.
Reports also reveal that all three Kenyans previously worked in Qatar for security companies and were lured into Russia’s war against Ukraine. They were offered high pay but were deployed to the front lines.
Ukrainian authorities say they were sent into high‑risk combat zones, training them for only three weeks before the deployment.
Concerns have been raised about how the Russian government recruits foreign nationals and handles them.
DIU also uncovered a Kyrgyz citizen who served as the new recruits’ representative, signing contracts with the Russian occupation army on behalf of three Kenyans and gaining control of their bank accounts.
Kenya to pursue diplomatic engagement.
Speaking during a NYOTA Capital disbursement event in Kilifi County on Thursday, February 5, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua warned job seekers to verify all overseas opportunities through the government’s official labour migration channels to avoid falling victim to rogue agents and trafficking networks.
CS Mudavadi has since announced plans for an official visit to Russia as Kenya intensifies diplomatic efforts to protect citizens caught up in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary on Sunday, February 1, 2026, said the government is seeking direct engagement with Moscow to address the circumstances under which Kenyans are being drawn into the conflict and prevent further exposure to danger.
“I will soon be making an official visit to Russia so that we can engage their government and discuss these issues, so that Kenyans do not fall into traps,” Mudavadi said during an interview with Western Kenya radio stations.
Also Read: CS Mutua Reveals How Kenyans Are Being Smuggled to Fight for Russia
He noted that some citizens may have found themselves in precarious situations due to misinformation, irregular recruitment, or false promises of employment.
A Hidden Recruitment Network Operating in Kenya
According to accounts from Kenyans with direct knowledge, the recruitment process for joining the Russian military does not happen openly.
Young men are promised high pay and bonuses, and many Kenyans are joining the Russian army through underground channels, leaving their families unaware and authorities in the dark.
There are no public adverts or offices; instead, the process relies strictly on referrals. According to Kenyans familiar with the network, it started in Nairobi before spreading to cities such as Kisumu, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
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