Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Haiti Amid Escalating Gang Violence

A Kenyan police officer, Constable Samuel Kitwai, was killed while on duty in Haiti, marking the first casualty for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission. Gang violence in Haiti has resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacements. The mission continues to face challenges in restoring order amid increasing gang strength and geopolitical uncertainties.

A Kenyan police officer was fatally injured while serving with the multinational security force in Haiti, becoming the first casualty of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission (MSS). The officer, identified as 26-year-old Police Constable Samuel Kitwai, was engaged in a confrontation with gang members during a security operation in Pont-Sondé. The MSS was established to address escalating violence in Haiti, where gangs have taken control of much of Port-au-Prince and other regions.

Gang-related violence in Haiti has resulted in over 5,500 deaths this year, leading to the displacement of more than one million residents. Commander of the MSS, General Godfrey Otunge, reported that Constable Kitwai sustained injuries in the Artibonite region and was airlifted to a hospital but succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter. His family has been informed of his passing.

Jack Ombaka, spokesperson for the MSS, referred to Constable Kitwai as a “fallen hero,” emphasizing that he sacrificed his life in the fight for the Haitian people. The Kenyan Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the officer, who died in the line of duty as part of the mission to restore order in Haiti. The MSS vowed to relentlessly pursue the gangs responsible for his death.

Though recently reinforced by an additional contingent of 200 police officers from Kenya, the MSS faces significant challenges due to being outnumbered and outgunned by gangs armed with weapons sourced from illegal channels. The stability of the multinational force was threatened after the recent US administration’s freeze on foreign aid, creating uncertainty for the operation’s future in Haiti.

Following the tragedy, US Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Dillard, conveyed condolences to Constable Kitwai’s family, acknowledging the bravery of Kenyan officers undertaking perilous missions to promote safety globally. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts to stabilize Haiti persist.

In conclusion, the death of Kenyan Police Constable Samuel Kitwai marks a significant loss for the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, which strives to combat rampant gang violence. Despite the reinforcements, the mission faces overwhelming odds against heavily armed gangs. The international community’s support and the future direction of the MSS remain critical as efforts to restore stability in Haiti continue.

Original Source: www.bbc.com