Kenyan killed in Ukraine–Russia war buried in Mukurweini without a body
By Nancy Marende, February 5, 2026The family of Charles Waithaka has held a funeral for him in his home village of Kinuri, Mukurweini, despite his body remaining in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict zone.
The late Charles Waithaka, who is said to have lost his life in the war, was mourned by relatives and friends who gathered to honour his memory.
The family organised a special ceremony, lighting 31 candles to represent the years he spent on earth.
Relatives of other Kenyans affected by the conflict expressed frustration over the lack of information about their loved ones.
Speaking after the funeral on February 5, 2026, Duncan Chege, a Kenyan who survived the conflict, recounted the dangers faced by those recruited.
“I was tricked into thinking I was going for a driving job, only to be trained for military operations. I did not want this work, and I wanted to return home, but they forced us to the frontlines,” he said.
Further, he stated that he never encountered any Kenyans or Africans fighting for Ukraine and that much of the combat was carried out remotely using drones and landmines.
On the other hand, activist Odhiambo Ojiro from Vocal Africa raised concerns over the recruitment of Kenyans.
“Is it possible that over 500 Kenyans were duped into joining without proper legal guidance? Kenya’s intelligence, police, and DCI appear unaware, and the president may not have been properly briefed,” he said.
Additionally, he stated that the affected families have identified both Kenyan and Russian recruiters, but question why none have faced accountability.
“The families have been able to identify all these recruiters , both the Kenya and Russian recruiters. How comes none of them has been summoned .”