Family in Busia Pleads for Government Aid to Bring Home Son Killed in Russia-Ukraine War.
In a heart-wrenching appeal, a family from Mukhunga village in Busia County has called on the Kenyan government, including President William Ruto, to intervene and help repatriate the body of their son, Oscar Agola Ojiambo, who was killed while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war in June 2025.
The 38-year-old former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier had traveled to Russia in May 2025 after being recruited by local agents to join the conflict on the Russian side.
Oscar Agola Ojiambo, a resident of Busia County, left Kenya seeking better opportunities but ended up entangled in the brutal ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.Family members report that he was promised employment as a military officer, but communication ceased shortly after his arrival, leading to months of uncertainty.Initial reports in October 2025 described him as missing in action, with his family expressing deep concern over his fate amid rumors of recruitment by Russian paramilitary groups. Tragically, confirmation of his death came later, revealing he had been killed on the front lines in June of the previous year.
The family lacks the financial and logistical resources to handle the international arrangements, including coordination with Russian authorities, which has left Agola's remains unclaimed for over seven months.
This case sheds light on a broader issue affecting Kenyan citizens. Reports indicate that several Kenyans, often former military personnel like Agola, have been lured to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs, only to be deployed as mercenaries in the Ukraine conflict.
Advocacy groups and families have urged the Kenyan government to address these recruitment schemes and provide assistance to those affected.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Kenyan government regarding the family's plea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously acknowledged similar cases but emphasized the challenges posed by the geopolitical tensions in the region.
The Agola family continues to mourn, hoping for closure through the return of their loved one's body for a proper burial in their homeland. "Help us bring our son home," they implored, echoing the sentiments of many families caught in the crossfire of international conflicts.
