Former Weston Hotel Protest Pupil David Shitanda Killed Fighting For Russia In Ukraine War

By Staff Writer

David Shitanda, the former Lang’ata Primary School pupil who once drew national attention after being teargassed during a protest against President William Ruto’s Weston Hotel, has died while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Activist Boniface Mwangi announced his death on Thursday. He said Shitanda was killed while fighting for Russian forces.

Family members confirmed the death, saying the young man had travelled to Russia last year in search of work.

Shitanda went viral years ago when he joined fellow pupils in protests linked to the disputed land hosting Weston Hotel. Images of schoolchildren fleeing tear gas sparked public debate at the time.

His sister, Barbara Ryle, said the family has struggled to come to terms with his death.

“We have lived together since we were kids. He loved us a lot. He was the one who took care of us,” she said.

Ryle said her brother did not complete high school and had been trying to find stable work. He previously worked at a gym and had travelled to Somalia and Canada. When he returned home without money, he began looking for opportunities abroad.

His mother, Susan Kuloba, said he had told her that he was going to Germany and later to Europe. She said he showed her a contract and instructed her not to ask questions, but simply sign it.

According to the family, Shitanda later disclosed that he had joined Russian forces. In one voice note shared with relatives before a mission, he appeared to anticipate the risks.

“The documents I sent you are for tomorrow’s mission. In case of anything, you will be called to let them know if I am dead or alive. I am dead, take those documents to the Immigration or to the Embassy. The one who will inherit is my parents. I love them very much,” he said.

Ryle said her brother last contacted her about a week before news of his death. A friend identified as Karis, the Russian who received them, later informed the family that Shitanda had been injured.

Kuloba said her son told her he was among 46 soldiers struck by a missile, and added that the family was later informed they would receive $100,000 (Sh12,900,000) in compensation.

Shitanda had been in Russia for about two months, according to his mother.

“He said, ‘Mom, I have a lot of money in my account. I can send you money, but I don’t know if you are under sanctions,’” she recalled.

The family is now calling on the Kenyan government to clarify how many Kenyans are fighting in the conflict and to assist families seeking answers.

“There are a lot of Kenyans there. I f they are dead, they should give us the bodies of our children,” she urged.