A Kenyan police officer has succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during a fierce confrontation with criminal gangs in Seguin, Pont-Sonde, near Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
This marks the first Kenyan casualty since the country deployed officers to the Caribbean nation to help restore law and order.
Deadly Operation in Gang-Controlled Territory
According to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) commander, Godfrey Otunge, the officer was among a team conducting a security operation in the Artibonite region when he was shot.
He was airlifted to Level Two Aspen Hospital for urgent medical attention but succumbed to his injuries.
“On February 23, 2025, one of our MSS officers from the Kenyan contingent was injured during an operation in Segur-Savien in the Artibonite department. The officer was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to the injuries,” Otunge stated.
Kenyan Police Contingent in Haiti
Kenya deployed 800 officers, part of a planned 1,000-strong contingent, to lead a UN-backed multinational security force aimed at stabilizing Haiti.
The mission, which includes officers from El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize, seeks to combat violent gangs that have taken control of large parts of the country.
In recent days, Kenyan officers have been intensifying operations in the Artibonite region, neutralizing several criminal groups.
Residents of Seguin, Pont-Sonde, had reportedly pleaded for similar action, prompting Kenyan officers to intervene.
Retaliation and Continued Security Risks
The MSS commander confirmed that the gang member responsible for the officer’s death was swiftly neutralized.
“This is the price our courageous officer paid—he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti. His fellow officers, unwilling to accept the loss, pursued the gang member responsible and immediately neutralized him,” Otunge said.
He also expressed gratitude to the El Salvador Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) team and medical personnel who tried to save the officer’s life.
Challenges in Haiti’s Security Mission
Despite efforts to reclaim gang-controlled areas, security experts warn that without a sustained police or military presence, criminal groups could easily return.
Even with 1,000 Kenyan officers and a target of 2,500 multinational personnel, concerns remain over whether the force is large enough to secure Haiti in the long term.
As the mission continues, Kenyan officers remain on high alert, facing ongoing threats in their quest to bring stability to the troubled nation.
