A Kenyan mother's world has shattered after her only son disappeared following his recruitment into the Russian army, leaving her in perpetual anguish and uncertainty about his fate.
The Disappearance That Shattered a Family
Jane Wangare Kibocho, a mother of five from Kenya, has been living in torment since October 8, when she last heard from her son, Reuben Ndungu. What began as an ordinary security job opportunity in Russia has transformed into a mother's worst nightmare.
In an exclusive emotional video interview with Kenyan media outlet Tuko, Jane revealed how her 25-year-old son—her only male child—traveled to Russia believing he was taking a standard security position, only to later discover he was being trained to become a Russian soldier.
A Son's Journey From Hard Worker to Missing Soldier
Jane described Reuben as an exceptionally hardworking young man who had shouldered family responsibilities since his father's passing. "He is my second born out of five kids and my only son. The rest are girls," she explained through tears.
Reuben's employment history demonstrated his determination to provide for his family. He worked as a motorbike rider, construction worker, and had previously taken jobs in Qatar and Somali-land, always sending money home and keeping in regular contact with his mother.
"Ndungu is a good boy and I am not saying that because he is my son," Jane asserted. "He is a hardworking boy who knows where he came from. He tries in any way he can to uplift his family."
The Fateful Decision That Led to Disappearance
The family's troubles began when Reuben informed his mother about a new, higher-paying security job opportunity. Jane initially believed it involved typical guard duties. "I thought he meant standing at a gate like a normal security job, so I agreed," she recalled.
Her peace of mind was short-lived. Shortly after his arrival in Russia, Reuben dropped the bombshell that he and other recruits were undergoing training to become Russian soldiers. "From that day, I lacked peace. I couldn't sleep or eat well," Jane confessed.
The situation worsened when Reuben warned his mother that he would lose network access and go offline. True to his prediction, all communication ceased after October 8, plunging Jane into desperate uncertainty about her son's whereabouts and safety.
A Mother's Desperate Plea and Daily Struggle
Jane's life has become a constant battle against worry and fear. As a widow who depends on casual labor for survival, she now faces the additional burden of not knowing whether her only son is alive or dead.
"I do casual jobs. There is no other work because I didn't go to school, so I can't really have an office job," she explained about her livelihood. "I always pick up a jembe, go to a family that is hiring, and they give me work."
Through her own investigations, Jane discovered that Reuben had traveled to Russia on a tourist visa, adding to her confusion about why he hasn't returned after three months abroad.
The emotional video shows Jane's raw grief as she appeals for any information about her missing son, highlighting the human cost of international conflicts that increasingly draw participants from African nations seeking economic opportunities.
Her story represents a growing concern about the recruitment of foreign nationals into military conflicts, with families often left in the dark about their loved ones' fates in distant war zones.
