The Ukrainian Defence Intelligence recovered the remains of two Kenyan nationals who died while serving Russian forces near Lyman in the Donetsk region. The discovery, disclosed on 6 February 2026, follows earlier reports of a third Kenyan killed in the same combat operation, highlighting escalating concerns over the exploitation of unsuspecting citizens in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The deceased have been identified as Ombwori Denis Bagaka, born January 30, 1987, and Wahome Simon Gititu, born May 21, 1991, whose remains were found alongside the body of Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, another Kenyan killed on the frontlines. The three men were recruited from Qatar, according to Ukrainian military analysts, because the recruiters used illegal contract schemes to promise them high-paying jobs, which would lead to their deployment in the Donbas battle area of Russia’s military.
Military intelligence reports indicate that the Kenyans were transported to a recruitment center in Yaroslavl, Russia, and then moved to a training base near Voronezh before being sent directly into combat without adequate preparation. The sources explain that the team that they joined functioned as the penal battalion, which conducted dangerous missions that resulted in substantial casualties because it offered minimal assistance.
The three men entered a dangerous area near Lyman, according to Ukrainian officials. The advancing forces opened fire on the three men who were in the lethal zone. The command elements refused to retrieve wounded recruits, which supports the claims that Russia views foreign fighters as expendable assets during its military offensive operations.
The repatriation process for bodies remains unresolved because families have not received official confirmation about the timing and delivery of remains. The situation of these Kenyans adds to previous tragedies, which include families conducting memorial services for missing relatives and their relatives who seek information and consular assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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