Port-au-Prince, Haiti – April 3, 2025
Two Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti have sustained serious injuries during clashes with armed gangs over the past week. The officers, part of the United Nations-backed peacekeeping mission, were caught in intense gunfire as security forces attempted to regain control of volatile areas in Port-au-Prince.
Escalating Violence in Haiti
Haiti has been grappling with a severe security crisis, with heavily armed gangs controlling large parts of the capital and other regions. The Kenyan police officers, who were deployed as part of a multinational security support mission, have been conducting operations to stabilize the country and restore order.
According to reports, the injured officers were on a routine patrol when they were ambushed by gang members in one of Haiti’s most dangerous neighborhoods. They were quickly evacuated and are currently receiving medical treatment. Their conditions remain critical but stable.
Rising Casualties Among Kenyan Forces
This incident adds to the growing list of casualties among Kenyan officers in Haiti, raising concerns about their safety and the effectiveness of the mission. Last week, another Kenyan officer, Benedict Kabiru, was reported missing after an attack, and efforts to locate him are still ongoing.
Despite the dangers, Kenya’s leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to the peacekeeping mission. Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to protect the officers.
“Our officers in Haiti are performing a crucial role in restoring peace and order. We are working with international partners to ensure their safety and provide the necessary support,” said IG Kanja.
Controversy Over Kenya’s Deployment
Kenya’s decision to deploy over 700 officers to Haiti has been met with mixed reactions. While the government insists that the mission is a humanitarian effort to help restore security in the Caribbean nation, critics argue that Kenyan forces are being exposed to unnecessary risks in a conflict that is not their own.
The Haitian opposition has also questioned the deployment, with some groups viewing foreign intervention as a threat to Haiti’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have urged the Kenyan government and the UN to ensure that proper security measures are in place for the officers on the ground.
What’s Next?
As violence continues to escalate, pressure is mounting on the Kenyan government to reassess its role in Haiti. The success of the mission will depend on international cooperation, adequate resources, and strong intelligence operations to counter gang threats effectively.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the wounded officers and locating the missing Kenyan officer. With more engagements expected in the coming weeks, the risk of further casualties remains high.
