PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — An unfortunate incident occurred in Haiti, resulting in the tragic death of a Kenyan police officer who was deployed to assist in the containment of violent gangs. According to Kenyan authorities, the officer lost his life in a skirmish with one of the gangs operating in the region. The unfortunate shooting took place in the Artibonite region in the west, where the Kenyan police were engaged in an operation aimed at neutralizing the Haitian gangs that had been causing unrest in the area throughout the past week. Responding to a distress call from residents in Pont-Sonde, the Kenyan officers found themselves in a perilous situation that ultimately led to the fatal outcome.
The fallen police officer was swiftly evacuated from the scene via air transport but, tragically, succumbed to the injuries sustained during the confrontation. Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the Kenyan forces stationed in Haiti, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, confirming the officer’s passing in a somber statement. Following the shooting, a pursuit was launched to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the tragic incident. Acknowledging the support received in the aftermath of the tragedy, mission official Jack Ombaka extended gratitude to the medical personnel and Salvadoran forces who aided in the response efforts against the violent gangs in the region.
“This is the ultimate sacrifice made by our brave officer — he laid down his life while courageously defending the people of Haiti,” stated Ombaka in a heartfelt tribute to the fallen hero. While details surrounding the incident remain scarce, it is known that the Gran Grif gang holds sway over the region where the fatal encounter took place. The untimely death of the Kenyan officer represents a significant setback in the ongoing endeavors to curb the activities of Haiti’s notorious gangs, which have been wreaking havoc in the country since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
In a show of solidarity and support, Kenya has dispatched a substantial number of officers to bolster the efforts of the beleaguered Haitian law enforcement agencies. The recent reinforcement saw an additional 200 police officers from Kenya joining the ranks of over 600 compatriots already deployed in collaboration with Haiti’s National Police. This multinational force, augmented by military and police contingents from countries such as Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, stands as a testament to the collective resolve to combat the menace posed by the criminal gangs plaguing Haiti.
