Kenyan nationals among foreign mercenaries killed on Ukraine front
Ukrainian troops eliminated a group of Russian mercenaries from Kenya (Photo: HUR)
Ukrainian forces have killed a group of Kenyan mercenaries fighting on Russia’s side during combat operations on the front line, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency reported on April 23.
One of the foreign fighters recruited by Russian forces for assault operations was identified through the “I Want to Live” project, the agency said.
Among those killed was Kenyan national Nyambura Eric Mwangi, born in 2003, according to military intelligence. He arrived in the Russian city of Yaroslavl on Oct. 23–24, 2025, along with three other Kenyan nationals — Wanjiru Joseph Kamau, Karithi Joel Ngure, and Kibet Ronald Kipkurui.
Additional Kenyan nationals who were killed — Ombwori Denis Bagaku and Wahome Simon Gititu — arrived during the same period, the agency said.
The recruits signed contracts in Russia and were sent to a training center, where they underwent roughly a week and a half of preparation before deployment, according to the agency.
Mwangi was initially assigned as a radio operator and deployed to the front line but did not serve in that role, instead being reassigned to an assault unit, the agency said. Russian forces deployed him to combat near the settlement of Borova in Kharkiv Oblast earlier this year.
At least 316 African mercenaries had been confirmed killed as of August 2025, though actual losses are likely significantly higher, according to military intelligence.
Russia has recruited more than 1,000 Kenyan nationals to fight in its war against Ukraine, Kenyan lawmaker Kimani Ichung’wah said, citing a joint report by intelligence services and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
More than 200 Kenyan citizens were fighting on Russia’s side as of November 2025, Kenya’s Foreign Ministry reported.
Russia has intensified economic cooperation with Kenya to expand its political influence and use these ties to recruit African nationals for the war, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said on Nov. 12.
Russia is also expanding a global recruitment campaign across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, often presenting it as cooperation with governments or security structures, the center said in October.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
