Kenyan Police Officer Missing After Ambush by Gangs in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing following an ambush by gang members in Haiti while assisting a stranded police vehicle. The MSS mission has initiated a search for the officer, who could potentially be a casualty of the attack. This incident highlights the dangers facing Kenyan officers in Haiti, where gangs have taken control of significant areas amidst a surge in violence.

A Kenyan police officer, part of the multinational security force in Haiti, has gone missing following an ambush by suspected gang members. The attack occurred while the officers were assisting a Haitian national police vehicle that had become stuck in a ditch, according to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission’s statement. As rescue efforts commenced, gang members who had been lying in wait launched an attack on the team.

Specialized teams have been deployed to search for the missing officer, following the incident that took place during a patrol operation in the town of Pont-Sondé. Local media in Haiti have speculated that the officer might have been killed; however, this remains unconfirmed. Additionally, this incident marks a troubling trend, as it is not the first time Kenyan officers have faced attacks in Haiti.

In a previous incident, a 26-year-old police constable, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, was fatally wounded during an operation in Ségur-Savien last month, resulting in the first death among the Kenyan contingent. Kenya has sent approximately 600 police officers as part of the MSS mission to assist in restoring order in Haiti, which has been plagued by rampant gang violence.

Since the deployment of Kenyan forces in June of the previous year, gangs have gained control over much of Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. In 2024 alone, over 5,500 individuals have lost their lives due to gang-related violence, leading to more than one million people fleeing their homes, indicating the dire situation within the country.

In conclusion, the ongoing violence in Haiti has led to the troubling disappearance of a Kenyan police officer amid an ambush by gangs. This incident follows a previous fatality among the Kenyan contingent, underscoring the perilous environment in which these officers operate. The extensive gang control over Haiti significantly contributes to the alarming rates of violence and displacement experienced by the population.

Original Source: www.bbc.com