Heartbreaking news has emerged that David Shitanda, the Lang’ata schoolboy who once went viral after being teargassed alongside classmates while shouting “Ruto ni mwizi”, has reportedly died fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine.
Journey from Kenya to Ukraine
David is said to have left Kenya in mid-2025, seeking better employment opportunities amid the country’s high youth unemployment. Upon arrival in Russia, sources indicate he was recruited into the Russian military.
He ultimately lost his life during combat in Ukraine, leaving family and friends in deep shock.
His mother, Susan Kuloba, last heard from him through a voice note before his presumed death. Family friends noted that there may be a $100,000 compensation claim available for the family, though it is not yet clear if they have initiated the process.
Viral Fame and Public Memory
David first captured national attention as a student when a video of him and his classmates being teargassed went viral on social media.
The incident made him a symbol of youth protest in Kenya, and his tragic death abroad has sparked widespread sadness across the country.
The story underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Kenyan youth seeking opportunities abroad, as well as the unexpected paths some find themselves on in pursuit of better livelihoods.
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