A Kenyan police officer serving in Haiti’s multinational security force was fatally shot during clashes with the Gran Grif gang in Artibonite this week. The incident underscores escalating dangers for international teams attempting to stabilize the Caribbean nation amid rampant gang control.
Authorities confirmed the officer died after being airlifted from Pont-Sonde, where Kenyan units responded to civilian distress calls.
This is the price our courageous officer paid – he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti,stated mission leader Jack Ombaka. Salvadoran forces assisted in emergency medical efforts following the attack.
Kenya has deployed over 800 officers since 2023 as part of a UN-backed coalition including:
- Jamaican tactical units
- Guatemalan infantry
- El Salvador’s specialized police
The killing highlights Haiti’s security vacuum following President Moïse’s 2021 assassination. Gangs now control 80% of Port-au-Prince and key transit routes like Artibonite’s agricultural corridor. Recent UN data shows a 45% surge in homicides since multinational forces arrived.
Critics argue limited resources and political instability hinder progress. Only 40% of pledged international funding has materialized, forcing peacekeepers to ration fuel and ammunition. Meanwhile, gang leaders exploit porous borders – trafficking arms from Florida and drugs through Dominican Republic pathways.
Kenyan commanders vow to continue operations despite the loss. Our resolve remains unshaken,said forces commander Godfrey Otunge during a memorial service. The fallen officer’s identity remains undisclosed pending family notifications.
