Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti to combat violent gangs fatally shot during clashes

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A Kenyan police officer, who was deployed to Haiti to assist in combating violent gangs, was tragically shot and killed during a confrontation with one of the groups, as reported by Kenyan officials on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the Artibonite region of western Haiti, where a contingent of Kenyan police was engaged in operations this past week. According to the Kenyan mission, the officers were responding to an urgent request for assistance from locals in the Pont-Sonde area.
After sustaining injuries in the shooting, the police officer was airlifted from the location but succumbed to his wounds as confirmed by Godfrey Otunge, the Kenyan forces’ commander in Haiti. Following the incident, police officers moved in pursuit of the gang members involved. Mission representative Jack Ombaka expressed gratitude towards the medical personnel and Salvadoran troops who are also part of the fight against gang violence in Haiti for their timely assistance.
“This reflects the ultimate sacrifice our brave officer made; he lost his life while serving the people of Haiti,” stated Ombaka. “We commemorate our fallen hero.”
Details surrounding the incident remain scarce; however, it is known that the Gran Grif gang holds significant influence over the region.
The officer’s death is seen as a significant setback to ongoing efforts to address the rampant gang violence plaguing Haiti, which has intensified following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
In a recent push to strengthen Haiti’s law enforcement capabilities, Kenya has deployed hundreds of officers. Earlier this year, an additional 200 police personnel were sent from East Africa, augmenting over 600 Kenyans already collaborating with Haiti’s National Police as part of a multinational effort supported by troops and police from various countries, including Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.