Two Kenyan nationals recruited to fight for Russia were killed in Ukraine, highlighting the risks facing foreign mercenaries.
Ukrainian authorities have confirmed the recovery of the bodies of two Kenyan citizens who were killed while fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence said the bodies were found near Lyman, a city in the Donetsk region, alongside the remains of another Kenyan national previously confirmed dead.
The deceased were identified as Ombwori Denis Bagaka, born January 30, 1987, and Wahome Simon Gititu, born May 21, 1991.
Their bodies were recovered close to the remains of Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, another Kenyan who reportedly died earlier while fighting on the same front.
According to Ukrainian Defence Intelligence, the three men were recruited while working in Qatar, where they were employed by private security companies.
The report states they were promised stable and high-paying jobs, only to later be drawn into Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
Bagaka and Mogesa reportedly arrived at a recruitment centre in Yaroslavl, Russia, on September 27, 2025. Gititu joined them a month later, on October 28.
A Kyrgyz national, identified as Salizhan Uulu Almamet, allegedly acted as their representative.
Ukrainian intelligence said Almamet signed military contracts with the Russian army on behalf of the three Kenyans and took control of their bank accounts.
From Yaroslavl, the recruits were transferred to the Pogonovo training ground near Voronezh, a facility used for rapid military training.
According to Ukraine, recruits trained there are often sent straight to active combat units with limited preparation.
The Defence Intelligence said the Kenyans were placed in a penal battalion, a unit reportedly made up of prisoners, deserters, individuals with addiction issues, and foreign mercenaries.
Testimonies from captured Russian soldiers suggest members of these units are used for high-risk missions with little chance of survival.
After a short training period, the three men were deployed to Donbas.
Ukrainian forces said all three were killed during their first combat operation while moving through what was described as a “kill zone.” No evacuation or battlefield support was reportedly provided by Russian commanders.
Ukrainian Defence Intelligence said the deaths reflect how foreign fighters are treated within Russia’s military structure.
The agency warned foreign nationals that recruitment into Russia’s forces often leads to deadly frontline deployments, describing such units as “one-way missions.”
Ukrainian authorities added that they continue to document cases of foreign citizens being recruited into the Russian military.
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