Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Haiti While Fighting Violent Gangs

A Kenyan police officer was killed in a confrontation with gangs in Haiti. The incident occurred during a mission in the Artibonite region, prompting a response to local pleas for assistance. The officer was airlifted but did not survive. His death is a significant setback in the fight against gang violence in Haiti.

A Kenyan police officer dispatched to Haiti to combat violent gangs was tragically killed during an engagement with the gang members, as reported by Kenyan officials this Sunday. The incident occurred in the Artibonite region while the Kenyan forces were executing an operation in response to a local community’s urgent request for assistance in Pont-Sonde.

The injured officer was airlifted but succumbed to his injuries, according to Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the Kenyan contingent in Haiti. Following the shooting, Kenyan officers actively pursued the gang responsible. Mission official Jack Ombaka expressed gratitude to the local hospital personnel and Salvadoran forces for their support in the aftermath of the incident.

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 Gran Grif gang is noted as a dominant force in the affected area, complicating efforts to restore order within Haiti, which has faced increasing gang violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

In response to the law enforcement crisis in Haiti, Kenya has deployed hundreds of officers. As of February, an additional 200 Kenyan police joined the more than 600 already stationed in Haiti, forming part of a broader multinational force that includes personnel from countries such as Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, all aiming to bolster Haiti’s beleaguered National Police.

The death of the Kenyan police officer underscores the perilous situation in Haiti, highlighting the ongoing struggle against rampant gang violence since 2021. This tragedy also emphasizes the international effort, specifically Kenya’s involvement, in supporting Haiti’s law enforcement as the nation grapples with insecurity and disorder. The continued commitment of multinational forces remains critical for stabilizing the region.

Original Source: suntci.com