A Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti to assist in combating the country’s violent gangs was tragically killed in a confrontation with one of the criminal groups in the Artibonite region, according to Kenyan officials on Sunday.
The incident occurred during a joint operation involving Kenyan forces aimed at addressing the escalating gang violence that has gripped Haiti. The Kenyan officers were responding to a request for assistance from local residents in the town of Pont-Sonde, which has been severely impacted by gang activities.
The officer, whose identity has not been released, was seriously wounded during the clash and was quickly airlifted for medical treatment. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries, confirmed Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the Kenyan contingent in Haiti. The officer’s death underscores the ongoing dangers faced by the multinational peacekeeping force working to stabilize the nation.
After the shooting, Kenyan forces, alongside Salvadoran troops, immediately pursued the assailants. Jack Ombaka, a mission representative, expressed his condolences and appreciation for the support from local hospitals and the Salvadoran forces who assisted in the aftermath. “This is the sacrifice our brave officer made — he lost his life while defending the people of Haiti,” Ombaka said.
The Gran Grif gang, one of the most notorious and powerful criminal organizations in the region, is suspected to be behind the attack. This gang has dominated the Artibonite area and has contributed to the persistent insecurity plaguing the nation.
The loss of this officer marks a significant setback in Haiti’s ongoing battle against gang violence, which has surged following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Since then, the situation has deteriorated, with armed gangs controlling large portions of the country, severely affecting the population’s safety and daily life.
Kenya has been instrumental in supporting Haiti’s law enforcement efforts, with over 600 officers already stationed in the country as part of a multinational force aimed at curbing gang violence. In February, an additional 200 officers were deployed, joining forces with personnel from other countries including Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador. These forces have been providing much-needed assistance to Haiti’s security apparatus, which has been overwhelmed by the scale of the violence.
The death of the Kenyan officer serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by peacekeepers in conflict zones. Despite the tragic loss, the Kenyan contingent and their multinational counterparts remain committed to their mission of restoring peace and stability to Haiti.
