The National Police Service (NPS) on Monday, February 24, 2025, issued a statement regarding the death of a police officer serving in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti.
Through Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, NPS informed the public that they had relayed the information regarding the passing of the said officer to the family.
While extending their sympathies, Nyaga announced that the police were committed to providing all the necessary support to the family of the deceased.
Heavy gunfire
Muchiri Nyaga revealed that the Kenyan officer was among those who were on operation on Sunday, February 23, 2025. They were however ambushed by suspected gang members who opened heavy fire leaving the officer nursing serious injuries.
He was airlifted to a level two hospital but succumbed to the injuries.
“National Police Service has learnt of the unfortunate demise of a Kenyan Police Officer in the line of duty while serving under the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).
“While on patrol on 23rd February 2025, the security team came under fire from suspected gang members. The officer sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” NPS statement read in part.
“The family of the deceased has been notified. The Service conveys its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the fallen Police Officer, and assures them of our unwavering support during this trying period,” the NPS spokesperson stated.
Mission still on course
Despite the setback, NPS assured the nation and other stakeholders that the mission was still on course. Muchiri Nyaga affirmed that Kenyan forces were keen on restoring peace and recapturing cities dominated by the gangs in the Carribean nation.
“The Mission, in collaboration with the Haiti National Police (HNP), is working tirelessly to restore peace and stability in Haiti. We commend the National Police Officers in Haiti who remain committed to achieving the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission.”
The news confirming the officer’s death was relayed by MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge who however did not delve much into what transpired.
“Today, Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, one of our MSS officers from the Kenyan contingent was injured during an operation in SÉGUR – SAVIEN, in the Artibonite department. The officer was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to the injuries,” the statement read.
Earlier in February 2025, the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen flagged off 144 officers who were then greeted at the international airport in Port-au-Prince by interim Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime and Leslie Voltaire, head of Haiti’s presidential transition council.
In December 2024 Nairobi sent 400 officers and over 200 In January 2025, with the latest reinforcements bringing the total to around 1,000.
According to the United Nations, in 2024, at least 5,601 people were killed in gang-related violence, a thousand more than in 2023.
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