Family Seeks Help After Former KDF Soldier Killed in Russia-Ukraine War
Former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier, Dennis Bagaka Ombwori, was one of the casualties of the Russia-Ukraine war, escalating the scepticism on how Kenyans are being recruited into active combat zones under misleading promises.
The 39-year old Ombwori, a native of Kitutu Chache Constituency in Kisii County, reportedly died in Russia during fighting after he was allegedly baited with the promise of good paying jobs. His family is now asking the government of Kenya to facilitate the return of his remains.
Before departing for Russia, Ombwori was a Qatar, based security officer. His relatives say that he was enticed to relocate by the recruiters, who promised him a good salary and excellent working conditions only for him to end up in the war front.
The family and area leaders are sounding the alarm that evil recruitment agencies are taking advantage of poor Kenyans by military enlistment advertisements as if they were normal overseas job offers. The victims wake up that reality only when it is too late.
It is also reported that another Kenyan from the Kisii County was among those killed in the same conflict, barely two weeks before Ombworis death.
Ombwori died less than two weeks after another Kenyan from Kisii County was reportedly killed in the same clash. The two deaths in quick succession have put a spotlight on the allegations that more than 112 Kenyans could have been hired to go and fight in foreign wars.
Sensing the growing demand for these recruits, Human Rights groups are requesting the government to search those who are in the recruitment network and tighten the protective measures for those citizens who are intending to work abroad to preserve their lives as families are still grieving the loss of their loved ones who were involved in conflicts far away and that were most of the times fatal.