Ukraine Identifies More Kenyans Killed Fighting For Russia Despite Gov’t Intervention
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR), has announced that it has identified several Kenyan nationals killed while fighting for Russia on the frontline.
In an update on Thursday, April 23, HUR reported that a group of Kenyans deployed by the Russian military near Borova village in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region died after a Ukrainian mortar strike.
Among those who have since been identified is Eric Mwangi Nyambura, born in 2003. He was identified through a hotline project in Ukraine dubbed “I want to leave”.
According to the hotline project that encourages Russian troops and foreign recruits to surrender, three other Kenyans, identified are Joseph Kamau Wanjiru, Joel Ngure Karithi, and Ronald Kipkirui Kibet.
🇷🇺🇺🇦 Dutch intelligence estimates over 1.2 million Russian troops have been killed in the Ukraine war.
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 23, 2026
Kyiv is estimated to have lost over 500,000.
Too many young men have died already; this war needs to stop.pic.twitter.com/IwNCpaMiu1 https://t.co/1BMpeTvTPK
They were said to have travelled together with Nyambura in October 2025, where they signed contracts, underwent brief training, and were sent to war.
According to HUR, Nyambura was initially assigned as a radio operator but was later moved to an assault unit and sent to the frontline, where he was killed.
The agency claimed it had identified nearly 3,000 African nationals who have signed military contracts with Russia, with Kenyans listed among the highest numbers of recruits.
The largest numbers of recruits come from countries including Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Algeria, Mali, South Sudan and South Africa.
According to HUR reports, over 316 Africans fighting for Russia had been killed as of August 2025, with the report warning that the actual number might be higher.
The revelation comes even as several families in Kenya have appealed to the government to help them trace their loved ones who have gone missing in Russia.
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According to reports by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, at least three Kenyans have been confirmed dead, two held in captivity, and 16 reported missing.
It is worth noting that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently held a high-level meeting with Russian authorities to address the recruitment of Kenyans in the Russian army.
Russia announced its commitment to stop any further recruitment of Kenyan Nationals.
The two countries also agreed to help repatriate Kenyans trapped in the war back to the country, but the process was faced with hurdles since a number of Kenyans were at the frontline in the warzone areas.
The recent revelations have caused deep pain to the families who might confirm for the first time the death of their loved ones who went to Russia in search of a greener pasture.
Ukraine Identifies More Kenyans Killed Fighting For Russia Despite Gov’t Intervention
