Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Haiti During Multinational Security Support Mission

 

By Lucy Jemeli 

A Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission was tragically killed on Sunday, February 23, 2025, during an operation in the Artibonite region. The officer, whose identity has not been released, was fatally shot while responding to a distress call from residents in the Pont-Sonde area. Despite being airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital for treatment, the officer succumbed to their injuries.

The MSS Force Commander, Geoffrey Otunge, confirmed the officer’s death, describing the sacrifice as a testament to the bravery shown by the officer and their commitment to peacekeeping efforts in Haiti. "This is the price our courageous officer paid—he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti," Otunge said in a statement.

The Artibonite region, particularly areas like Ségur-Savien, has long been a hotspot of gang violence, with groups like the Gran Grif gang exercising control over large parts of the area. Kenyan and Salvadoran forces, alongside other international peacekeepers, have been actively engaged in operations to neutralize these gangs and restore stability.

Following the tragic incident, mission official Jack Ombaka expressed his gratitude to the hospital staff and the allied forces for their swift assistance, emphasizing the collective effort to tackle the rising violence in Haiti. "The loss of our officer is a stark reminder of the dangers our forces face daily while working to bring peace to Haiti," Ombaka said.

The National Police Service of Kenya has issued a statement expressing condolences to the family of the fallen officer, offering support during this difficult time. The service also reaffirmed its commitment to the mission in Haiti, honoring the sacrifice made in the pursuit of global peace and security.

Kenya, along with forces from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, has been playing a critical role in the international mission to restore order in Haiti, a country grappling with political instability and widespread gang violence. This tragic loss highlights the risks faced by peacekeeping forces in volatile regions and underscores the ongoing challenges in Haiti.

February 24, 2025