More Trouble for Kenyan-led Security Mission in Haiti
A Kenyan police officer was killed on Tuesday during an attack by suspected gang members, dealing another setback to the Kenyan-led multinational security support mission (MSS) operating in Haiti to tackle gang violence.
The victim was part of a team tasked with retrieving a Haitian police vehicle stranded in a ditch, allegedly blocked by gangs.
The MSS forces encountered an ambush while attempting the rescue operation.
Initially reported as missing, the MSS confirmed the death of officers named Bénédict Kabiru in the incident.
Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council has hailed Kabiru’s death as the “ultimate sacrifice”.
This marks the second Kenyan officer fatality in Haiti since the deployment commenced in June of the previous year.
Opposition to the Kenyan deployment in Haiti has grown due to safety concerns, with calls for the withdrawal of Kenyan forces.
Despite these concerns, President William Ruto has reiterated his country’s dedication to the mission.