Families of two Kenyan youths, James and Charles, have buried empty coffins after their deaths in Russia's war in Ukraine. Russian authorities informed them that the bodies would not be returned, offering cremation or burial there. The families opted for empty coffin funerals to honor their traditions.
James and Charles, two Kenyan youths from different families, travelled to Russia seeking ordinary jobs like cooking or driving with high salaries. Instead, they found themselves in the Russian army fighting in Ukraine.
Both have died, and Russian authorities gave their families two options: cremate the bodies and return the ashes, or bury them in Russia with military honors. Deeming cremation against African customs and distant burial too painful, the families held funerals with empty coffins.
James's sister Margaret said their mother has not accepted her only son's death. James dreamed of buying land to help his mother and promised before leaving to change their lives.
Charles's mother, Bibiana Waithaka, expected him to earn up to Sh800,000 monthly. He later asked for money from home, and his last call was terrifying: “Mama, mama today…” followed by crying before it cut off.
This leaves families seeking solace amid profound grief.