Kenyan Officer’s Body Returned From Haiti for Burial

The body of Kenyan officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who died during a U.N.-backed mission in Haiti, arrived in Nairobi for burial. Kaetuai was shot by gangs on February 23, marking the first Kenyan fatality in the mission. Kenyan police officials assure that the officers are well-equipped for their roles despite resource concerns, as the international community discusses enhancing support for peacekeeping efforts in Haiti.

The remains of a Kenyan police officer, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who tragically lost his life during a U.N.-backed peacekeeping mission in Haiti, have been returned to Kenya for burial. His body was received by family members and senior police officials in Nairobi on Monday night. Officer Kaetuai was fatally shot by gangs in Haiti’s western region on February 23, marking him as the first Kenyan officer to die in this ongoing mission, which began in June.

The Kenyan contingent, consisting of approximately 800 police officers, is cooperating with various international forces, including personnel from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, alongside Haiti’s National Police. No funeral date has been specified for Officer Kaetuai. In response to the incident, Kenya’s police inspector general, Douglas Kanja, emphasized the significance of the officer’s death, labeling it as “a great loss” and addressing concerns regarding the situation faced by Kenyan officers.

Inspector Kanja assured that the officers are “well-trained for the mission” and highlighted the emphasis on their safety and preparedness. This follows previous warnings from Haitian and U.S. authorities regarding the insufficiency of personnel and resources for the mission, which initiated in June. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has indicated intentions to secure U.N. funding to support the force’s structural and logistical needs.

The violence in Haiti has escalated, with reported killings exceeding 5,600 last year, forcing more than 1 million individuals to flee their homes due to gang-related violence over recent years, according to U.N. figures.

The return of Officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai’s body underscores the risks faced by Kenyan police in Haiti’s tumultuous environment. The Kenyan contingent continues to collaborate with international forces to restore order amidst escalating gang violence. Despite concerns over resources and safety, officials assert the preparedness of their officers, while discussions about enhancing support for peacekeeping efforts are ongoing.

Original Source: www.newsday.com