Kenyan Officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai’s Body Returned Home from Haiti

The body of Kenyan officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who was killed in Haiti during a U.N. mission, has returned to Kenya. He died from gunfire by gangs on February 23, becoming the first Kenyan casualty of the mission. Kenyan police officials reaffirmed that officers are well-equipped despite ongoing concerns about resources and personnel for peacekeeping efforts in Haiti.

The body of Kenyan police officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who was killed in Haiti, has returned to Nairobi for burial. Kaetuai died on February 23 after being shot by gang members during a U.N.-backed mission in Haiti aimed at combatting violent gangs. He was the first Kenyan officer to lose his life in this mission, which commenced in June.

Upon arrival, Kaetuai’s remains were received by his family and senior police officials in the Kenyan capital. As of now, there has been no announcement regarding the date of his funeral. Approximately 800 Kenyan police officers are currently leading the mission in Haiti, collaborating with personnel from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador alongside Haiti’s National Police.

Kenya’s Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, expressed his deep sorrow regarding Kaetuai’s death, labeling it as “a great loss.” He also refuted claims that the Kenyan officers were not adequately equipped to handle the violent situation in Haiti, emphasizing that their training and well-being are Kenya’s top priorities.

Concerns regarding the mission’s inadequacies have been raised, with both Haiti and the U.S. noting a lack of personnel and resources, and advocating for a U.N. peacekeeping force to take over. Additionally, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres announced plans to request U.N. funding to support the logistical needs of the multinational force. The U.N. reports that gang violence resulted in over 5,600 fatalities in Haiti last year, displacing more than one million individuals over recent years.

The return of Officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai’s body underscores the ongoing challenges faced in Haiti amid rising gang violence. The Kenyan contingent’s presence emphasizes international collaboration in peacekeeping, while issues concerning equipment and resources remain critical. The loss of one officer amidst these circumstances highlights the risks faced by peacekeepers.

Original Source: www.newsday.com