A Kenyan citizen recruited to fight for the Russian armed forces has lost his life during a battle in Eastern Ukraine. 

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence identified the deceased as 28-year-old Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, a Kenyan citizen whose body was allegedly discovered at one of the positions previously held by Russian forces in the Donetsk region.

It is believed that the deceased previously lived and worked in Qatar before later signing a contract with the Russian army and was subsequently assigned to one of Russia’s assault units.

According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), Mogesa had been living and working in Qatar before travelling to Russia, where he later signed a contract with the Russian military.

Ukrainian intelligence further claimed that despite not getting sufficient training, the Kenyan was sent into combat among the front-liners in battle.

“Mogesa left a job in Qatar, received minimal military training, and was subsequently sent to the combat zone, where he was killed during an assault operation,” the Ukrainian intelligence reported.

His body was later found by Ukrainian forces after the deadly encounter.

Ukrainian authorities further claimed that at the time his body was recovered, Mogesa was carrying passports belonging to two other Kenyan citizens.

Intelligence officials believe the documents belong to fellow Kenyan recruits who may also have been deployed to the front lines, raising concerns that more Kenyans could be involved in the conflict.

In addition, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine issued a warning to foreign nationals against accepting employment offers linked to Russia, cautioning that civilians lured by promises of work or military contracts face significant danger.

“The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine warns foreign citizens against travelling to the Russian Federation or accepting any form of employment on its territory, particularly illegal work,” the statement read.

“Travelling to Russia carries a real risk of being forcibly deployed to assault units without adequate training and with little to no chance of survival.”

The death of Mogesa comes amid mounting reports that hundreds of Africans, including Kenyans, have been recruited to fight in the Ukraine war, often after being enticed by employment offers.

Some are believed to have been drawn into military service after arriving in Russia for non-military work.