Tragic Death of Kenyan Officer Highlights Dangers of Gang Violence in Haiti

Constable Samuel Kaitwai, a 28-year-old Kenyan police officer in Haiti, was killed in a gang shootout, leaving behind a wife and two children. His death reflects the severe gang violence in Haiti, marking him as the first casualty of the Kenyan-led force deployed to stabilize the country. The situation remains dire, with rising violence and challenges facing the multinational security efforts.

Samuel Kaitwai, a 28-year-old Kenyan police officer serving in Haiti, was killed during a gunfight with gangs in the Artibonite department, specifically in Ségur-Savien. This tragic incident has left his family, including a wife and two young children, reeling in grief. Kaitwai succumbed to his injuries after being transferred to a local hospital, highlighting the dangerous circumstances that international security forces face in Haiti amidst rising gang violence and political unrest.

Kaitwai’s father, Kaetuai Lesaru Salaash, expressed profound sorrow over his loss, 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.” Naomi Samuel, his wife, revealed that their last conversations centered on their children’s well-being, while family spokesperson Joseph Kimiti underscored Kaitwai’s devotion to his family and his efforts to avoid vices upon securing his employment.

The passing of Kaitwai marks a significant blow to both the Kenyan police force and the Naserian community, where he had become a pillar of support. His ambitions to construct a home for his family remain unfulfilled, symbolized by an unfinished building site, a poignant reminder of his dreams. His brother, Amos Kaetuai, shared the family’s deep reliance on Kaitwai, saying, “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 was the first casualty of the Kenyan-led force since its deployment in June of the previous year. According to Jack Ombaka, a spokesman for the Multinational Security Support (MSS), Kaitwai was shot by a gang member and died shortly after being airlifted to a hospital. The MSS, which includes officers from various countries, was established to assist in stabilizing Haiti, which has been severely affected by gang control and violence.

Gang-related violence in Haiti has escalated, causing over 5,500 deaths and displacing more than one million individuals this year. Gen Godfrey Otunge, commander of the multinational force, confirmed the details of the incident and stated that Kaitwai’s family has been informed. The Kenyan Foreign Ministry expressed its grief, calling Kaitwai a “fallen hero,” with Mr. Ombaka noting his dedication to aiding the people of Haiti and promising to combat the gangs relentlessly.

The MSS recently strengthened its numbers by adding 200 Kenyan officers. However, they face significant challenges, as they are heavily outnumbered and outgunned by gangs possessing illegally smuggled weapons. The future of their mission remains uncertain, particularly after previous U.S. foreign aid freezes, but U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has since facilitated a waiver for necessary funding. The potential transition of the MSS into a UN peacekeeping force represents a possibility for more stable funding in the future.

The tragic loss of Constable Samuel Kaitwai underscores the significant dangers faced by international security forces in Haiti, where gang violence has surged dramatically. His commitment to family and service exemplifies the sacrifice made by officers in the line of duty. The Kenyan police and the Naserian community will undoubtedly feel his absence deeply, while the ongoing challenges within Haiti suggest that the fight against organized crime is far from over.

Original Source: mwakilishi.com