Last Call Ex-KDF Soldier Made to Family Before Being Deployed to Frontline in Russia

Moments before his deployment to the frontline in Russia, former Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) officer Oscar Agolla made what would be his final phone call to his family.

Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV, the family of Oscar Agolla recalled that he had expressed a strong desire to travel abroad in search of better opportunities.

According to his relatives, a local agent approached him with what appeared to be a lucrative job offer in St. Petersburg, Russia.

“He told me that he had found a job in Russia and was preparing to leave soon,” his father, Charles Mutoka, narrated.

A few weeks after his departure, communication between Oscar and his family abruptly stopped.

Oscar Agolla’s Last Call

Oscar Agolla’s last phone call came moments before he was allegedly deployed to the frontline.

“I’m sure he was recruited to the Ukraine–Russia war because the last call he made, he said he was waiting to be taken to the frontline. Since then, his number has been unreachable,” his sister Mary Olendo recalled.

The family’s fears have intensified amid reports of Kenyan nationals who have vanished under similar circumstances, allegedly after being trafficked and recruited to fight for the Russian army.

Meanwhile, Oscar Agolla’s family continues to appeal to government authorities for assistance in tracing their missing relative and bringing him home.

“We just want to know where our son is. Whether alive or dead, we deserve to know the truth,” his sister pleaded.

Also Read: Kenyan Serving in Russian Army Captured in Ukraine

Kenyans Being Recruited to Russia

Recently, another Kenyan, Kevin Kariuki, was rescued from the warfront.

According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, Kariuki had been captured by Ukrainian forces before being released and repatriated to Kenya.

“A third Kenyan, Kevin Kariuki Nduma, irregularly conscripted to serve in the Russian military, is on his way back home. I commend our Mission in Moscow for the effort to rescue and repatriate Kenyans caught in this unfortunate and dangerous situation,” Sing’Oei said.

Oscar’s relatives now fear their son may have suffered a similar fate.

On September 27, Sing’Oei announced the rescue and repatriation of three Kenyans trapped in the conflict.

“Pleased to inform of the rescue and repatriation of three Kenyans: Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika, and Derick Njaga by our Mission in Moscow. The three are safe and on their way home to their families. Our Mission and our teams at headquarters are doing what we can to address the situation of those captured as prisoners of war. I thank Ambassador Peter Mathuki and the team,” Korir said.

Also Read: PS Korir Hosts Russian Envoy as More Kenyans Remain Trapped in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Man arrested over links to recruitment of Kenyans to fight in Russia

Police arrested a Russian national linked to an ongoing investigation into the illegal recruitment of Kenyans to fight in Russia.

According to police, the arrest came shortly after authorities rescued 21 Kenyans from rented apartments where they were allegedly being prepared for travel to Russia under false pretenses.

Investigations indicated that the victims were being processed for deployment without full knowledge of the nature of their assignment.

Preliminary reports showed that the victims had signed binding contracts with an overseas employment support agency.

They committed to pay between Ksh1.65 million and Ksh2.31 million to cover visa, travel, accommodation, and logistical expenses.

Those unable to settle the full amount within 35 days were subject to a 1% daily penalty.

Several victims told investigators they had already paid deposits ranging from Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000, lured by promises of salaries of up to Ksh 200,000 per month once they were in Russia.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.