Ukraine recovers bodies of two more Kenyans fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported the deaths of more Kenyan citizens who were recruited by Russia to fight in the ongoing war against Ukraine, with their bodies recovered near the city of Lyman in the Donetsk region.
According to the Ukrainian intelligence agency, the latest bodies identified are those of Ombwori Denis Bagaka (born January 30, 1987) and Wahome Simon Gititu (born May 21, 1991).
Their remains were found close to the body of another Kenyan national, Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, who had earlier been confirmed killed in the same area.
Ukrainian officials say the three men were recruited while working in Qatar, where they were employed by private security companies and reportedly earned stable incomes.
They were allegedly lured into joining Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine under false or misleading promises.
Bagaka and Mogesa are said to have arrived at a recruitment centre in Yaroslavl, Russia, on September 27, 2025, while Gititu joined them on October 28. Ukrainian intelligence claims that a Kyrgyz national, Salizhan Uulu Almamet, played a central role in facilitating their recruitment.
Almamet allegedly signed contracts with the Russian occupation army on behalf of the three Kenyans and took control of their bank accounts.
From Yaroslavl, the men were transferred to the Pogonovo military training ground near Voronezh, identified as military unit No. 11097.
Ukrainian intelligence alleges that the facility conducts accelerated training before deploying recruits directly to active combat zones.
The agency further claims that the three Kenyans were assigned to a so-called “penal battalion”, a unit reportedly made up of prisoners, detained deserters, individuals with substance abuse problems, and foreign mercenaries.
Testimony from captured Russian soldiers suggests such units are routinely used for high-risk, “one-way” assault missions.
After a brief training period, the men were reportedly deployed to the Donbas region and sent to take part in an assault on Lyman.
Ukrainian Defence Forces say all three were killed during their first combat mission while advancing through what Ukrainian officials describe as a “kill zone.” No evacuation or medical support was allegedly provided by Russian forces.
In its statement, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said the deaths illustrate how Russia treats foreign nationals fighting in its occupation army, describing them as expendable manpower used in the most dangerous operations.
The agency further alleged that the deaths of mercenaries create opportunities for corrupt recruiters and military officials to claim so-called “coffin payments.”
Ukrainian intelligence authorities have warned foreign citizens against travelling to Russia or accepting work there, cautioning that such arrangements may result in forced recruitment and deployment to frontline combat.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine says it continues to document cases of foreign nationals being recruited into the Russian military as the war continues.
Dozens of Kenyans were recruited to join the fighting for Russia in Ukraine.