Second Kenyan Officer Killed by Haitian Gangs
A Kenyan police officer serving with the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti has been killed in a violent confrontation with local gangs.
The officer’s death occurred on Tuesday, March 25th, during an operation in the volatile Lower Artibonite region, north of Port-au-Prince.
The situation escalated when three armored vehicles used by the peacekeepers were set ablaze by armed gang members. This created a wave of panic within the peacekeeping contingent.
Kenyan Police Spokesperson in Haiti, Jack Ombaka, confirmed the reports. He stated that the vehicles became trapped in a ditch, which is believed to have been deliberately created by the gangs. The initial recovery attempt then required the deployment of extra armored vehicles.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, during the recovery phase, two MSS Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles sent from Pont-Sonde experienced further difficulties. One MRAP became stuck, and the other suffered a mechanical failure.
It was while officers were attempting to repair these vehicles that the waiting gang members launched their attack. Tragically, in the chaos of this assault one kenyan police officer was killed.
The gangs subsequently took possession of the deceased officer’s body, and despite ongoing efforts by the peacekeepers, it remains in their custody. Search teams are now being deployed in order to locate and recover the lost officer.
This recent incident follows the earlier death of Police Constable Samuel Kitwai, 26, who was also killed by gang members in Haiti. That previous incident occurred during an anti-gang operation in Artibonite. MSS Police Commander Godfrey Otunge confirmed Kitwai’s death, noting that he succumbed to his injuries while receiving hospital treatment.
This accumulating loss creates worries about the safety of those involved in this dangerous mission.
In Other News; Govt Clears the Air on Recruitment of Kenyan Drivers for Jobs Abroad
Second Kenyan Officer Killed by Haitian Gangs
