February 1, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters Staff Correspondent
Ukrainian Defence Intelligence has confirmed that a 28-year-old Kenyan national, Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, has been killed while serving with the Russian armed forces during combat operations in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, security sources and official communications indicate.
According to intelligence reports cited by Sahara Reporters and other international outlets, Mogesa’s body was recovered by Ukrainian forces at a position previously held by Russian troops after a deadly frontline assault. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine described the circumstances of his death as occurring during what is locally referred to as a “meat assault,” a term for high-casualty infantry attacks in which poorly trained or inadequately equipped combatants are sent into extremely dangerous operations.
The Kenyan national had reportedly been living and working in Qatar before travelling to Russia, where he signed a contract with the Russian military. After only a brief period of training, Ukrainian intelligence said, Mogesa was assigned to one of the Russian army’s assault units and deployed to the front lines in the ongoing conflict with Ukrainian forces.
Upon recovery of his remains, Ukrainian officials noted that Mogesa was found carrying passports belonging to two other Kenyan citizens a detail that has raised concerns over the possible recruitment or involvement of additional foreign nationals in the conflict under similar agreements. Intelligence sources suggested these passports belonged to fellow recruits who may also have been deployed alongside him.
Following the confirmation of his death, Ukrainian authorities issued a stern warning to foreign nationals about the risks of being drawn into the war, particularly by accepting employment opportunities linked to Russia during the ongoing conflict. The Defence Intelligence statement emphasized that travelling to Russia and entering contracts with military forces carries significant personal danger, including deployment to front-line combat roles without adequate training or protection.
Mogesa’s death adds to a growing body of reports indicating that hundreds of African citizens including many from Kenya have been recruited or enticed into fighting on behalf of Russian forces, sometimes under questionable conditions or misleading pretences. Prior diplomatic statements from Kenyan government officials have acknowledged distress among families of Kenyan nationals believed to be caught up in the conflict and described ongoing efforts to assist those who wish to return home.