A family from Timboroa, Baringo County, is grieving after learning that their son, who had travelled to Russia for studies last year, may have died while involved in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
Kevin Kang’u, 25, left Kenya in September under a Russian government scholarship programme that required him to serve in the country’s military for a period before pursuing his studies. Days after being deployed to the frontline, the family lost contact with him. Last week, they were informed that Kevin reportedly died in early December.
Residents in Timboroa Village rallied around the family of Senior Chief Jacob Njehia, offering comfort following the devastating news. Kevin had been part of a battalion comprising six other Kenyans, where he underwent military training while keeping close communication with his family, promising to improve their circumstances.
After about a month of training, Kevin and his peers were sent to the frontline. He had sent messages to his father describing the situation before his phone went offline. In early December, Kevin reportedly used a Russian soldier’s phone to send a distress message requesting intervention from the Kenyan government.
Towards the end of December, the family received another message from a fellow Kenyan soldier indicating Kevin was safe, but communication ceased shortly after. It was only last week that another Kenyan from a different battalion confirmed Kevin’s death in the conflict.
Senior Chief Njehia has reported the incident to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hoping that Kevin’s remains can be recovered and repatriated for a dignified burial.
The incident highlights the growing number of Kenyans who have found themselves inadvertently involved in the Russia–Ukraine war while pursuing opportunities abroad.
