Kenyan Police Officer Shot and Injured During Operation in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer was shot and injured on March 18, 2025, in Haiti during a security operation. This incident follows the recent death of Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, marking a concerning trend for Kenyan police involvement in the region amid efforts to combat gang violence. The officer is currently in stable condition, receiving medical treatment.

A Kenyan police officer sustaining serious injuries was reported on March 18, 2025, during a security operation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This incident occurred amid ongoing efforts under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) that has deployed in the region since June 2024, specifically targeting criminal gangs in the area.

The officer was involved in an operation in Kenscoff within the Belot area when he was shot by gang members. Jack Ombaka, the mission spokesman, confirmed the officer’s swift evacuation to ASPEN Level 2 Hospital, where he is currently stable and receiving necessary medical care. The name of the injured officer has not been disclosed.

This shooting marks the second incident involving a Kenyan officer in Haiti; less than a month before, on February 23, Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai was tragically killed by gangs in the Segur-Savien region. An autopsy revealed that Kaetuai had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head, marking him as the first Kenyan fatality in this mission.

Kenya has committed to deploying approximately 800 police officers as part of a United Nations-backed initiative aimed at bolstering Haiti’s national police against gang violence. Other nations, including Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, have also offered military assistance to further combat these criminal groups.

In the wake of Constable Kaetuai’s death, Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja led a delegation of senior officers to extend condolences to Kaetuai’s family in Naserian Village, Kajiado East Sub-County, Kajiado County, demonstrating solidarity and support during this difficult time.

The recent shooting of a Kenyan police officer in Haiti underscores the ongoing challenges faced by international peacekeeping missions in volatile environments. The rising violence from criminal gangs has resulted in tragic losses, including the death of Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai just weeks prior. As international efforts continue to stabilize the region, the commitment of multiple nations, including Kenya, remains critical in supporting Haiti’s national police.

Original Source: www.tv47.digital