IG Douglas Kanja Dismisses Reports of Kenyan Officer’s Death in Haiti: “Tutampata”
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has refuted speculation regarding the fate of missing Kenyan police officer Benedict Kabiru, who was deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. Addressing the media during Eid celebrations in Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kanja reassured the public that efforts to locate the officer are ongoing.
“We have our officer who is still missing in Haiti, and we are ongoing with a search operation. We will find him, and when we do, we will update you,” Kanja stated.
Despite acknowledging the difficulties faced by Kenyan officers in Haiti, he avoided confirming whether Kabiru was alive or dead. Instead, he commended their relentless efforts to stabilize the troubled Caribbean nation.
Family in Agony as Silence Persists
Meanwhile, Kabiru’s family remains distressed over the lack of updates nearly a week after his disappearance. His mother, Jecinta Wanjiku, voiced her frustration, pleading with authorities to provide clarity.
“I wonder what is happening where my son is. Have they remained silent, or is the search continuing? My plea is for them to update us on their progress. From where he disappeared, how far have they reached?” Wanjiku lamented.
Relatives have made multiple attempts to get answers from police commanders but with little success. The uncertainty has deeply affected the family, with Kabiru’s son now fearing for his future.
“I have been burdening my brother and sister, asking them to accompany me to the authorities every day for updates. When we return home, I find my grandson full of questions. He asks me, ‘Shosho, I am supposed to go to university. What if my father is dead?’” Wanjiku painfully narrated.
Conflicting Reports Add to the Mystery
Amid rising anxiety, conflicting reports have surfaced regarding Kabiru’s fate. On March 27, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) claimed a Kenyan officer was killed during an ambush in Savien on March 24. The statement alleged that he was assisting Haitian forces when armed gangs attacked his unit.
Condemning the attack, the TPC reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating criminal groups and bringing those responsible to justice. “Impunity will not be tolerated,” the council stated.
This latest incident comes just weeks after the first Kenyan officer killed in Haiti was repatriated and buried in Kajiado County.
Demand for Clarity and Immediate Action
The silence from authorities has left Kabiru’s loved ones in anguish. The government must act swiftly to provide accurate updates and reassure his family. As Kenya deepens its commitment to international security missions, the fate of its officers abroad remains a matter of national concern.
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IG Douglas Kanja Dismisses Reports of Kenyan Officer’s Death in Haiti: “Tutampata”
