Kenyan Officer Killed in Haiti as Gangs Escalate Attacks

Kenyan Officer Killed in Haiti Gang Ambush as Rubio Addresses Security Crisis

A Kenyan police officer serving in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) was killed in a gang ambush, marking another tragic loss for the international force. The incident coincides with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s diplomatic tour of the Caribbean, where Haiti’s escalating security crisis is a primary concern.

The slain officer, Bénédict Kabiru, was initially reported missing following an ambush on two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles on Tuesday in Pont-Sondé, a town in Haiti’s Artibonite region. The Kenya-led MSS confirmed his death, and Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council honored his sacrifice.

“This valiant police officer, engaged alongside Haitian forces to fight insecurity, made the ultimate sacrifice for a better future for our country. His bravery and commitment will never be forgotten,” the council said in a statement.

The ambush occurred while MSS and Haitian National Police officers were attempting to retrieve an armored vehicle that had become trapped in a ditch, possibly dug by gangs. During the operation, one of the MRAPs also got stuck while the other suffered mechanical issues. As officers worked to resolve the problem, armed gang members launched a sudden attack, leading to the officer’s death.

This marks the latest Kenyan casualty since the MSS arrived in Haiti in June. Just last month, another Kenyan officer was fatally wounded in an operation in the same region. The escalating violence has raised concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of the security mission.

Following the attack, videos allegedly showing the slain officer’s body circulated online. However, the authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified.

As the security crisis deepens, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is prioritizing Haiti in his Caribbean tour. On Wednesday, he is set to meet with Fritz Jean, president of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council, in Jamaica. The discussions aim to bolster regional cooperation in addressing Haiti’s security and humanitarian challenges.

The U.S. remains a key financial backer of the MSS, which has struggled to contain Haiti’s rampant gang violence. The crisis is particularly dire in Port-au-Prince, where an estimated 80% of the capital is under gang control. As security forces attempt to reclaim urban areas, gangs have expanded their operations into rural regions, particularly Artibonite, a crucial agricultural hub.

The worsening violence has triggered mass displacement, with the United Nations reporting record levels of forced migration. According to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, nearly 23,000 people were displaced within a single week in March.

Beyond displacement, the crisis has disrupted supply chains, exacerbating food insecurity. “Almost half of the entire population – that’s 5.5 million human beings – is going hungry, one of the highest proportions in any crisis around the world,” Dujarric noted.

In a particularly gruesome episode of violence, the UN reported that at least 70 people, including women and children, were massacred by the Gran Grif gang in the same Artibonite town where Officer Kabiru was killed.

As Haiti’s security crisis spirals, the international response faces mounting challenges. The death of another Kenyan officer underscores the risks MSS personnel face, while Rubio’s diplomatic engagements highlight the urgency of finding a sustainable solution. With gangs tightening their grip and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, the international community’s next moves will be crucial in determining Haiti’s future stability.