Kenyan Police Officer Killed While Fighting Gangs in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti to combat violent gangs was killed during an operation in the Artibonite region. He was shot while responding to residents’ calls for help and later died from his injuries. His death is a significant hurdle in the ongoing efforts to control gang violence in Haiti, exacerbated by the 2021 assassination of President Moïse.

A Kenyan police officer who was deployed to Haiti in an effort to combat violent gangs was tragically killed during a confrontation with one of these gangs. The incident occurred in the western Artibonite region while the officers were undertaking operations to address residents’ pleas for assistance in an area known as Pont-Sonde. Despite being airlifted for medical care, he succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by Godfrey Otunge, the commander of Kenyan forces in Haiti.

Following the shooting, his fellow officers engaged in a pursuit of the gang members responsible for the attack. Jack Ombaka, a representative of the mission, conveyed gratitude to hospital personnel and Salvadoran forces for their support. Ombaka remarked, “This is the price our courageous officer paid — he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti. We salute our fallen hero.”

The loss of the officer represents a significant setback in the ongoing effort to curtail gang violence in Haiti, an issue that has escalated since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. In response to the deteriorating security situation, Kenya has deployed hundreds of police officers to assist the struggling Haitian law enforcement, with over 600 Kenyans currently active and an additional 200 officers having been sent this past February as part of a multinational initiative, which includes contributions from countries such as Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

The killing of the Kenyan police officer in Haiti underscores the dangers faced by international forces as they endeavor to stabilize regions overwhelmed by gang violence. His sacrifice highlights the urgent need for effective interventions to restore law and order in Haiti, where criminal activity has surged dramatically since the political upheaval of 2021. The continued commitment of Kenyan and other international police forces will be critical in supporting Haiti’s National Police amid these challenging circumstances.

Original Source: apnews.com