Tragic Loss of Kenyan Officer Samuel Kaitwai in Haiti Gang Violence

Samuel Kaitwai, a Kenyan police officer, was killed in a gunfight with gangs in Haiti, leading to mourning in his community. He is remembered for his commitment to his family and as a stabilizing figure in Naserian. His death underscores the dangers faced by international forces in Haiti amid rising gang violence. The MSS continues to face challenges, being outmatched by gangs armed with illegal weapons.

Samuel Kaitwai, a 28-year-old Kenyan police officer, tragically lost his life during a gunfight with gangs in Ségur-Savien, located in the Artibonite department of Haiti. His passing has brought deep sorrow to his family and community in Naserian, as Kaitwai leaves behind a wife and two young children. Despite being transported to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, highlighting the dangerous environment faced by international security forces in Haiti due to ongoing gang violence and political instability.

Kaitwai’s father, Kaetuai Lesaru Salaash, expressed profound grief over his son’s death, stating, “I was informed this morning that my son had been killed in an encounter with armed criminals. He has left behind two very young children and a wife.” His wife, Naomi Samuel, recalls their final conversations focusing on their children’s wellbeing. Joseph Kimiti, representing the family, remarked on Kaitwai’s character, illustrating his commitment to family and his aversion to vices after securing stable employment.

The loss of Constable Kaitwai marks a notable detriment to both the Kenyan police force and the Naserian community, where he was regarded as a pillar of strength for his family. His dreams of building a future for his loved ones will now serve as poignant reminders, represented by the unfinished foundation of their home. His brother, Amos Kaetuai, noted, “He was the only one with a stable income, and we all depended on him. You can see, he had even started building a house for his family.”

Constable Kaitwai is the first casualty among the Kenyan-led forces deployed in Haiti since June of the previous year. MSS spokesman Jack Ombaka reported that Kaitwai was shot by a gang member, after which he was airlifted for medical care but unfortunately did not survive. The MSS, comprising personnel from several nations, including Kenya and Jamaica, was dispatched to assist in stabilizing Haiti, a country increasingly dominated by gangs.

These gangs wield control over significant areas, contributing to a surge in violence that has resulted in over 5,500 deaths and displaced more than one million individuals in just one year. General Godfrey Otunge, who leads the multinational force, confirmed the incident and conveyed condolences to Constable Kaitwai’s family. The Kenyan Foreign Ministry expressed its heartbreak over the tragic loss, while Mr. Ombaka commemorated Kaitwai as a “fallen hero who was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti,” vowing the MSS would continue to confront these gangs relentlessly.

Recently, the MSS received an augmentation of 200 additional Kenyan officers; however, they contend with being outgunned and outnumbered by gangs armed with illegal weaponry, primarily sourced from the United States. While the potential for future support for the MSS was called into question when the Trump administration froze foreign aid programs, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later sanctioned a waiver for funds intended for the MSS and Haiti’s National Police. However, uncertainties remain regarding the shift of the MSS towards a UN peacekeeping operation, which would assure more enduring financial backing.

In summary, the tragic death of Constable Samuel Kaitwai highlights the extreme dangers faced by international security forces in Haiti amidst rampant gang violence and instability. His passing has left a profound impact on his family and community, emphasizing the significant sacrifices made by those serving in foreign missions. The need for robust international support to stabilize Haiti remains critical as the MSS confronts increasingly perilous conditions.

Original Source: mwakilishi.com