Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Haiti Amid Gang Violence Efforts

A Kenyan police officer was fatally shot in Haiti while conducting operations to combat gang violence. The incident occurred in the Artibonite region after residents requested help. Commander Godfrey Otunge reported the officer was evacuated but later died from his injuries. The mission is part of larger efforts by Kenya and other nations to stabilize the situation in Haiti.

A Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti to assist in combating violent gangs was tragically killed in an armed confrontation on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Artibonite region, as part of an operational mission aimed at addressing gang violence following a call for assistance from local residents in Pont-Sonde. According to Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the Kenyan forces, the officer was evacuated but succumbed to his injuries soon after the shooting.

Following the attack, a pursuit of the gang members was initiated by the responding officers. Jack Ombaka, a mission official, recognized the efforts of hospital personnel and Salvadoran forces assisting in the conflict, stating, “This is the price our courageous officer paid — he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti.” The remarks paid tribute to the fallen officer as a hero committed to the welfare of the Haitian people.

Details surrounding the incident remain limited, though it is noted that the Gran Grif gang maintains control over the affected region. The officer’s death poses a setback to ongoing initiatives aimed at curtailing the rampant gang violence that has plagued Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Kenya has deployed substantial police forces to support Haiti’s law enforcement, with over 800 officers actively engaging in operations alongside international allies from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

The loss of the Kenyan police officer underscores the profound dangers faced by international forces supporting Haiti amid escalating gang violence. This tragedy highlights the ongoing struggles of law enforcement in Haiti, exacerbated by a lack of stability since the notable political turmoil. As Kenya and its partners continue their missions, the commitment to restoring safety for the Haitian populace remains crucial.

Original Source: apnews.com