Kanja Provides New Update on Missing Kenyan Officer in Haiti
Kenya’s Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has shared a critical update on the missing Kenyan police officer who was reportedly killed in a Haitian gang ambush.
The incident took place when the officer’s vehicle, which was part of a convoy, got stuck in a ditch allegedly dug by the gangs. The ambush occurred as part of ongoing security efforts in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).
During an impromptu visit to the Karatina Police Station on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Kanja spoke on the significance of Kenya’s mission in Haiti. He noted that while operations in such volatile regions are risky, the Kenyan police officers involved are given proper care and attention.
“The officer is still missing, and we are making every effort to locate him. We want to assure the family of the missing officer that everything possible is being done to bring him home safely,” Kanja said.
Kanja emphasized the importance of the Haiti mission for the National Police Service, highlighting that Kenyan officers are crucial in restoring peace and security to the country, which has been plagued by armed gangs. He pointed to the positive developments in Haiti, such as the operation of roads, hospitals, schools, ports, and airports, which have all improved thanks to the mission.
Despite the achievements, Kanja reminded the public that any operation, especially in such dangerous territories, can result in injuries or even casualties. “Just like operations back home, sometimes officers get injured. However, they receive the necessary treatment, as we ensure they are well cared for,” he added.
The update follows a harrowing incident on April 1, 2025, where two Kenyan police officers were severely injured during a patrol near the capital, Port-au-Prince, which remains under the control of heavily armed gangs. According to MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka, the officers were airlifted to the Dominican Republic for specialized treatment after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head and ear.
The ongoing violence in Haiti, attributed to the escalating power of armed gangs, raises concerns about the adequacy of the armoured vehicles and protective gear provided to Kenyan officers. These concerns were further amplified by the recent death of the first Kenyan officer in the mission in March 2025. The officer, who was killed in a similar ambush, was laid to rest in his home in Kajiado County.
In response to the tragic loss and the ongoing threat to their personnel, Kenyan authorities have launched a special search mission to recover the body of the officer who remains missing after the ambush. Efforts continue to track down the gang responsible for the attack, with hopes to bring justice and closure to the officer’s family.
As Kenya’s involvement in Haiti persists, the focus remains on providing the necessary support to its officers, ensuring their safety while contributing to the stability and peace efforts in the Caribbean nation.
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Kanja Provides New Update on Missing Kenyan Officer in Haiti
