A Kenyan police officer was injured in Haiti during a security operation against gangs. The officer was treated at ASPEN Level 2 Hospital and is in stable condition. This incident follows the death of Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, highlighting the dangers faced by police in the ongoing mission. Kenya has deployed 800 officers to assist in combating gang violence in Haiti.
On March 18, 2025, a Kenyan police officer sustained serious injuries while participating in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. The incident occurred during a security operation in Kenscoff, located within the Belot area of Port-au-Prince, where the officer was shot by criminal gangs. Following the shooting, the injured officer was swiftly evacuated to ASPEN Level 2 Hospital and is currently receiving medical treatment, with his condition being reported as stable.
Jack Ombaka, the mission spokesman, reported on the incident but opted not to disclose the officer’s name. He affirmed, “He is in stable condition and we are pursuing the gang behind the shooting.” This incident marks the second shooting of a Kenyan officer during the ongoing mission, highlighting the escalating violence faced by security personnel in Haiti.
Previously, on February 23, another Kenyan officer, Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, was fatally shot by gangs in the western Segur-Savien region. This tragic event marked the first fatality among Kenyan officers involved in the Haiti mission, which commenced its deployment in June 2024. An autopsy revealed that Kaetuai died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Kenya has contributed approximately 800 police officers to the United Nations-backed MSS mission in Haiti, with the objective of assisting in the fight against pervasive gang violence. In addition to Kenyan forces, Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador have also deployed troops to support Haiti’s national police in addressing criminal activities.
In response to the loss of Officer Kaetuai, Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, led senior police officers in a visit to offer condolences to his family and friends. The officers met with the family in Naserian Village, Kajiado East Sub-County, Kajiado County, as they mourned this painful loss.
The recent shooting of a Kenyan police officer in Haiti underscores the significant risks faced by security personnel during their mission combating gang violence. With the ongoing challenges highlighted by the deaths and injuries of officers, the international community’s support remains crucial. Notably, the presence of multiple nations contributing to this mission illustrates the global commitment to assisting Haiti in restoring peace and security.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
