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| Ukraine Recovers Bodies of Two More Kenyans Fighting for Russit.Photo/Coutersy |
Ukrainian authorities say they have recovered the bodies of two more Kenyan citizens who were fighting for Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine, heightening concerns about Kenyans drawn into the conflict.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported on Friday that the remains of Ombwori Denis Bagaka, 39, and Wahome Simon Gititu, 35, were found near the eastern Ukrainian city of Lyman in the Donetsk region. Their bodies were discovered close to the remains of another Kenyan, Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, whose death had been reported earlier this year.
According to the Ukrainian intelligence account, all three men were recruited while working in Qatar for private security companies that offered well‑paying jobs. They travelled separately to Yaroslavl in Russia in late 2025, where they reportedly signed contracts that led to their deployment in active combat zones.
Ukrainian officials said the Kenyans were sent to a training ground near Voronezh before being deployed to the Donbas front. They were allegedly placed in high‑risk engagements with limited support, and were killed during combat operations around Lyman.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine’s statement has not been independently verified, and Russian authorities have not issued a public comment on the specific deaths of the Kenyan nationals.
The discovery of the bodies comes amid broader concerns in Kenya about citizens being misled into dangerous situations abroad under the guise of legitimate employment — a dynamic authorities have linked to illicit recruitment networks.
