Missing Kenyan Police Officer in Haiti Ambushed by Gangs

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti following an ambush by suspected gang members during a rescue operation. This incident mirrors previous attacks on Kenyan forces, highlighting the challenges they face in stabilizing a nation plagued by violence. Approximately 600 Kenyan officers are currently operating under the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.

A Kenyan police officer deployed in Haiti as part of an international security mission has gone missing following an ambush by suspected gang members. This incident occurred while the officer was assisting a vehicle belonging to the Haitian national police that had become stuck in a ditch, according to a statement from the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti.

During the rescue operation, gangs attacked the security force. As a result, specialized teams have been mobilized to search for the missing officer, amidst reports from local media suggesting that the officer may have been killed. However, this information has yet to be verified.

Similar incidents involving Kenyan officers have occurred previously in Haiti. In a tragic event last month, a 26-year-old police constable was fatally wounded during an operation in Ségur-Savien, marking the first loss among the Kenyan contingent deployed there. The body of the fallen officer, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, was repatriated and interred earlier this month.

Kenya has sent approximately 600 police officers to Haiti under the MSS mission, initiated in June of last year, aiming to restore order in a country where gangs have taken control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding rural areas. In 2024 alone, gang-related violence has resulted in over 5,500 fatalities and prompted more than one million individuals to flee their homes.

The disappearance of a Kenyan police officer in Haiti highlights the ongoing danger faced by foreign peacekeepers in a region troubled by gang violence. With significant casualties reported among both security personnel and civilians, international efforts to stabilize the country remain critical. The situation demands urgent attention to ensure the safety of deployed officers and the local population.

Original Source: www.bbc.com