The death of a Kenyan officer patrolling in Haiti marks the first casualty for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission, amidst struggles against increasing gang violence.
Kenyan Officer Dies in Haiti Amid Gang Violence
Kenyan Officer Dies in Haiti Amid Gang Violence
A Kenyan police officer has been killed in Haiti while supporting efforts to restore order amidst rampant gang control.
A Kenyan police officer serving in Haiti as part of the international security force has tragically lost his life during an encounter with gang members. This marks the first death among the personnel of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission (MSS), which was deployed last June to help stabilize a nation grappling with widespread gang violence.
The officer, whose identity has yet to be publicly revealed, was injured in Artibonite, located north of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. Despite being evacuated directly to a medical facility, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Gen Godfrey Otunge, commanding the multinational operation, expressed his condolences and highlighted the bravery of the fallen officer. In a statement from Jack Ombaka, spokesperson for the MSS, the officer was hailed as a "fallen hero" who died "fighting for the people of Haiti." Kenya's foreign ministry also released a statement conveying its profound sorrow over the officer's death, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the Haitian populace amid crisis.
According to Ombaka, the officer was fatally shot by gang members during an operation in Pont-Sondé. In response, he pledged that the MSS would continue to pursue gang members "to the last man standing."
This past month, the MSS received additional reinforcement with 200 new Kenyan officers; however, they continue to face significant challenges as gangs have escalated their firepower, gaining access to weapons smuggled from the United States.
The mission's viability has been called into question in recent weeks, particularly after the Trump administration initiated a freeze on foreign aid programs. Although U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized a waiver for funding intended for the MSS and Haiti's National Police, the future transformation of the MSS into a UN peacekeeping operation remains uncertain, raising further concerns about sustainable support for Haitian security efforts.
