A Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti to assist in combating violent gangs was fatally shot during an operation in the western Artibonite region, marking the first casualty among the Kenyan contingent since their arrival in June 2024.

The officer, part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, was injured during an intense firefight with gangs in the Ségur-Savien area. According to Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the Kenyan forces in Haiti, the officer was swiftly airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

“Today, Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, one of our MSS officers from the Kenyan contingent was injured during an operation in Ségur-Savien, in the Artibonite department. The officer was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to the injuries,” Otunge confirmed.

The Kenyan police arrived in Haiti on June 25, 2024, as part of a peacekeeping effort aimed at stabilizing the Caribbean nation, which has been plagued by rampant gang violence. This deployment is part of Kenya’s broader commitment to global peacekeeping efforts.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei expressed deep sorrow over the loss, assuring that a comprehensive statement would be released soon. “Heartbroken by the loss of a member of Kenya’s deployment to the MSS Mission in Haiti. Additional information shall be provided in due course by the Foreign Affairs Ministry,” Sing’Oei stated.

The incident has intensified concerns over the safety of peacekeeping forces operating in volatile regions and reignited debates within Kenya about the risks involved in such international missions.

As the Kenyan contingent continues its mission in Haiti, this tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by peacekeepers worldwide. The nation mourns the fallen officer while reaffirming its commitment to global security and stability.