The bodies of two Kenyans recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine were recovered near Lyman in the Donetsk region, according to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence.
The deceased were identified as Ombwori Denis Bagaka, born January 30, 1987, and Wahome Simon Gititu, born May 21, 1991. Their remains were discovered near the body of another Kenyan fighter, Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, who was killed in the same area.
Ukrainian intelligence indicated that the three were recruited while working in Qatar for security firms that promised high and stable pay.
“Ukraine says it has recovered bodies of 2 more Kenyans fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region,” CNN journalist Larry Madowo reported on his social media platforms.
“Ombwori Denis Bagaka, 39 and Wahome Simon Gititu, 35 “were lured into Russia’s war against Ukraine in Qatar, where they worked for security companies.” Their bodies were found alongside Clifton Nyapara Mogesa, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine announced.”
Bagaka and Mogesa reported to a recruitment centre in Yaroslavl, Russia, on September 27, 2025, with Gititu joining them later on October 28.
After undergoing a short training programme, they were deployed to the Donbas region and assigned to assault the city of Lyman.
Ukraine reported that as the group moved through what was described as a “kill zone,” Ukrainian Defence Forces engaged them, resulting in the deaths of all three.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine added that Russian command failed to provide support or arrange evacuation for the mercenaries during the fighting.
The agency also noted that Bagaka and Gititu were confirmed as Kenyans through passports and identification documents recovered from their bodies.
