Kenyan Officer Killed in Gang Clash During Haiti Deployment

A Kenyan police officer assigned to Haiti as part of efforts to curb gang violence has died following a confrontation with an armed group, Kenyan authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The fatal encounter took place in the Artibonite region, where Kenyan security forces were actively working to combat criminal groups. The officer was among those responding to distress calls from residents in Pont-Sonde.

According to Commander Godfrey Otunge, who leads the Kenyan contingent in Haiti, the injured officer was airlifted for medical treatment but later succumbed to the wounds.

Following the attack, security personnel launched a pursuit of the armed individuals involved. Jack Ombaka, a representative of the mission, expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by medical teams and Salvadoran forces in the aftermath of the incident.

“Our brave officer made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the people of Haiti,” Ombaka stated.

The Gran Grif gang is reportedly dominant in the area where the attack occurred.

This tragic loss comes as Haiti continues to grapple with escalating gang activity, which has worsened since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Kenya has committed significant resources to support Haiti’s embattled law enforcement, deploying hundreds of officers as part of an international mission. In February, an additional 200 officers arrived, reinforcing the more than 600 personnel already stationed in the country alongside counterparts from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.