Kenyan Police Officer Killed While On Duty in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer, Police Constable Samuel Kitwai, was killed in Haiti during a patrol with the Multinational Security Support mission. His death marks a significant loss amid escalating gang violence in the country. The MSS faces challenges restoring order, particularly with gangs heavily armed and more numerous than peacekeeping forces.

A Kenyan police officer, Police Constable Samuel Kitwai, was tragically killed in Haiti during a confrontation with gang members while on patrol as part of the international security force. At just 26 years of age, he is the first casualty of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission (MSS), which was deployed in June 2022 to restore order amid widespread gang control in Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince.

The violence in Haiti has escalated considerably, with over 5,500 individuals reported killed in gang-related incidents in 2024 alone. Additionally, more than one million people have been displaced from their homes. Gen Godfrey Otunge, commander of the MSS, stated that Constable Kitwai was injured in Artibonite, north of Port-au-Prince, and subsequently airlifted to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Jack Ombaka, the MSS spokesman, referred to Constable Kitwai as a “fallen hero” who was slain while serving to protect the Haitian people. Kenya’s foreign ministry expressed its sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the sacrifice made by the officer. His death occurred during a security operation in the town of Pont-Sondé, where he was shot by a gang member.

Despite an increase in personnel with an additional 200 Kenyan police officers recently deployed, the MSS remains significantly outnumbered and outgunned by the heavily armed gangs. This challenging situation has continued amid uncertainty regarding the future of international support, especially following the Trump administration’s halt on foreign aid programs.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later approved a waiver for American funds allocated to the MSS, but uncertainties remain regarding the conversion of the MSS into a UN peacekeeping operation. The U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Dillard, extended condolences to the family of Constable Kitwai and expressed gratitude toward the Kenyan officers undertaking perilous duties abroad.

The tragic killing of Police Constable Samuel Kitwai highlights the perilous conditions faced by international security forces in Haiti as they confront rampant gang violence. The increase in Kenyan officers in Haiti aims to restore stability, yet challenges persist with gangs that significantly outnumber them. Continued international support appears crucial for the success of the Multinational Security Support mission going forward.

Original Source: www.bbc.com