Missing Kenyan Police Officer in Haiti After Gang Ambush

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti following a gang ambush during an operation supporting the Haitian national police. The Multinational Security Support Mission is conducting search efforts. This incident highlights the violent environment in Haiti, where gangs have significantly influenced stability, leading to prior casualties among Kenyan officers.

A Kenyan police officer assigned to the international security force in Haiti has been reported missing following an ambush by suspected gang members. The incident took place while the officer was assisting a vehicle from the Haitian national police that had become stuck in a ditch. The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission stated that the rescue attempt was interrupted by an ambush from gang members lying in wait.

In response to the attack, specialized units have been deployed to search for the missing officer. The event occurred during a patrol operation on Tuesday in the town of Pont-Sondé. Local Haitian media suggested that the missing officer might have been killed by gangs; however, this remains unconfirmed.

This ambush is not an isolated incident, as there have been previous attacks on Kenyan officers in Haiti. Notably, in the previous month, a 26-year-old police constable was fatally shot during an operation in Ségur-Savien, marking a tragic first casualty among the Kenyan contingent. The officer, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, was repatriated and laid to rest earlier this month.

Kenya has committed to sending at least 600 police officers as part of the MSS mission in Haiti, aimed at overcoming the rampant gang violence in the nation. The mission commenced in June of the previous year to restore order, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where gangs have dominated the area, coupled with a significant influence in rural regions. Gang-related violence has escalated significantly, with over 5,500 deaths reported in 2024 and more than one million displaced individuals.

In conclusion, the disappearance of the Kenyan police officer in Haiti highlights the ongoing dangers faced by international forces combating rampant gang violence. With a history of attacks against Kenyan personnel, the situation remains perilous, prompting urgent search operations. The need for substantial international support in Haiti cannot be overstated, given the severe challenges posed by gang control and violence in the region.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk