Tragedy in Haiti: Kenyan Police Officer Killed During Mission

Armored car stuck in a ditch in Haiti. Stock image.

Incident Details

Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council has confirmed that a Kenyan police officer, Benedict Kabiru, who went missing during a mission in Haiti, is dead. The officer was part of a UN-supported security team helping to fight gang violence. He died on March 25 in the town of Savien, near Pont-Sondé, in the lower Artibonite area.

Response from the Presidential Transitional Council

The CPT sent their condolences to Kabiru’s family, the Kenyan people, and government. They praised him and other officers for their courage and for working with Haitian police to make the country safer. The council promised that those responsible for the attack will be punished, stating that criminals and anyone helping them would face justice.

Continued Efforts for Peace and Security

The CPT also said it will continue working with both Haitian and international partners to bring peace and security to the region. A video that appeared online showed Kabiru on the ground, possibly already dead, being slapped by someone believed to be a gang member. However, it was not clear from the video whether he was still alive at the time.

Circumstances Surrounding the Incident

The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission said Kabiru went missing after a patrol ran into trouble on a main road. A police vehicle got stuck in a ditch, which had possibly been dug as a trap by criminals, and two more armored rescue vehicles were sent. However, one broke down with mechanical failure and the other also got stuck. While trying to get free, the group was ambushed by gunmen.

Previous Incidents

This death came just a week after another Kenyan officer was shot in the Belot area. That officer survived and is now being treated in hospital. A third Kenyan officer, Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, was killed on duty in the same region on February 23. Kenya has sent at least 800 police officers to help restore order in Haiti as part of a UN-backed mission.

Conclusion

The death of Benedict Kabiru is a tragic reminder of the risks and challenges faced by security personnel working to restore peace and stability in Haiti. The incident highlights the need for continued international support and cooperation to address the ongoing security crisis in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Benedict Kabiru? Benedict Kabiru, a Kenyan police officer, was killed during a mission in Haiti on March 25.
What was Kabiru doing in Haiti? Kabiru was part of a UN-supported security team helping to fight gang violence in Haiti.
How many Kenyan officers are in Haiti? Kenya has sent at least 800 police officers to help restore order in Haiti as part of a UN-backed mission.
What is the current situation in Haiti? Haiti is experiencing a security crisis, with ongoing gang violence and instability in the region.

Source: CapitalFM