Kisii family seeks answers after son reportedly killed in Russian war

A family in Nyamondo village, South Mugirango, Kisii County, is appealing to the government to help establish the whereabouts of their 38-year-old son, Matiabe Onchari, who they have been informed was killed while fighting on the front lines in Russia.

Onchari, a father of four, had left home in search of employment in Qatar but reportedly ended up being recruited into the Russian military.

Months after losing contact with him, his family says they received information that he died in February, although his body has not been found. 

On Saturday, family members, friends and villagers streamed into the homestead of Mzee David Minyonga to console the family following distressing reports about the fate of their son, Matiabe Onchari.

Onchari had left the village alongside a friend, hopeful of securing a better future after reportedly landing driving jobs in Qatar.

What was meant to be a life-changing opportunity has instead plunged his family into anguish and uncertainty.

"Alitoka hapa kuenda Qatar vile alifika JKIA alituambia walisema eti sasa wanaenda kule Russia..." said his wife Beatrice Nyanchama.

Days after arriving in Russia, Onchari, who previously earned a living as a boda boda rider in his village, began sending photographs to his family showing himself and others in military attire, reportedly working as frontline soldiers.

But communication would later go silent, leaving his family desperately searching for answers.

"Wakati alikuwa huko tulikuja tukakosa mawasiliano kabisa mwezi wa Februari hapo. Mwenye alikuwa naye ndio hivi majuzi alisema eti kijana wetu aliuawa February na hata yeye hajui mwili wake uko wapi,” Nyanchama said.

While the family has been informed that Onchari was killed in February, the circumstances surrounding his reported death and the whereabouts of his body remain unknown.

"Mimi naskia vibaya sana.... mtoto wangu anapotea Russia. Naomba Rais atusaidie kama bado ako huko,” the mother Rosia Bosori said.

His father David Minyonga added, "Naomba serikali mnifuatilie huyu mtoto wangu."

"Tunataka Mudavadi askie hii maneno yetu. Viongozi wetu wa area hii wametutupa sana watusaidie kwa hii maneno,” stated the uncle John Omanwa.

They hope the government will help trace his remains and facilitate their repatriation for a decent burial in accordance with Abagusii cultural traditions.

It is a story of pain, anguish and uncertainty for the Onchari family. They have been left with more questions than answers and are appealing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to tell them what really transpired before the disappearance of their kin.