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Kenyan family demands repatriation of relative killed in Ukraine
A Kenyan family is urging authorities to help recover the body of their 29-year-old son, Clinton Nyapasa Mogesa, who died while fighting for Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials confirmed his death in a high-casualty assault in Donetsk, where his remains were left behind by Russian troops.
From Qatar to the frontlines
Mogesa initially traveled to Qatar in 2024 for work but later informed his family he had relocated to Russia. His cousin, Vincent Okemwa, told the BBC that Mogesa stayed in contact during a three-week training period but went silent after October 28. Ukrainian authorities reported finding two other Kenyan passports in his possession, raising concerns about broader recruitment networks.
A family shattered by loss
Mogesa's relatives described his death as devastating. His father had sold land to fund his journey to Qatar, hoping he would secure a better future for the family. His mother, Mellen Moraa, who relies on medication for diabetes, said her son was her sole provider. "I plead with the government for help," she said.
"He had good plans for the family, and now everything has been shattered."
Vincent Okemwa, cousin
Government response and broader concerns
Kenya's government has not confirmed Mogesa's death but acknowledged last month that 18 Kenyans fighting in Russia had been rescued. Rights group Vocal Africa reports at least 18 more cases of missing or deceased Kenyans, urging officials to verify the numbers. Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua previously stated that around 200 Kenyans were fighting for Russia, with recruitment networks still active.
Global recruitment crisis
Ukraine's intelligence agency estimates over 1,400 Africans from 36 countries have been recruited into Russian forces. It warned foreign nationals against traveling to Russia, citing risks of forced deployment into high-risk assault units with minimal training. Ukraine has also faced criticism for recruiting foreign fighters, though it maintains that those joining Russia will be treated as enemy combatants.
"Traveling to Russia carries a real risk of being forcibly deployed to assault units with little to no chance of survival."
Ukrainian intelligence agency
What's next
Mogesa's family remains in limbo, awaiting communication from Kenyan or Russian authorities. Meanwhile, advocacy groups continue pressing the government to address the growing number of Kenyans entangled in the conflict.
