Missing Kenyan Police Officer in Haiti Following Gang Ambush

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti after an ambush by suspected gang members during a rescue operation. This incident reflects escalating violence against foreign police forces in Haiti, which has seen a recent increase in gang-related violence. The lack of security has led to a significant number of deaths and displacements, prompting international interventions.

A Kenyan police officer deployed in Haiti has gone missing following an ambush by suspected gang members. This incident occurred during a rescue operation for a Haitian national police vehicle that had become stuck in a ditch. As the rescue teams worked to address the situation, they faced a sudden attack from waiting gang members, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti reported.

The patrol operation took place in the town of Pont-Sondé on Tuesday. In response to the ambush, specialized search teams have been sent to locate the missing officer. While local media suggests the officer may have been killed, this information remains unverified.

This ambush marks a troubling continuation of violence against Kenyan police officers in Haiti. Just last month, a police constable, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, was fatally shot during a mission in Ségur-Savien, marking a significant loss for the Kenyan contingent. His funeral was held after his body was returned to Kenya.

Since June of last year, Kenya has deployed approximately 600 police officers to the MSS mission in Haiti, primarily aimed at combating rampant gang activities. The security force was established to restore order to Haiti, where gangs have effectively taken control of Port-au-Prince and many rural areas. In 2024, gang-related violence has led to over 5,500 deaths and displaced more than one million individuals.

The disappearance of a Kenyan police officer in Haiti highlights the ongoing dangers faced by international security forces amid rampant gang violence. This incident follows a previous fatality within the Kenyan contingent, underscoring the grave challenges in restoring order to the nation. The commitment of Kenya’s police forces reflects the international efforts to combat the escalating crisis in Haiti, where thousands have already lost their lives and many more have been displaced.

Original Source: www.bbc.com