The National Police Service (NPS) has released a statement regarding the Kenyan police officer who died in the line of duty while serving under the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti.
NPS said the security team came under fire from suspected gang members while on patrol on February 23, 2025.
“The officer sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” NPS said.
NPS said the family of the deceased has been notified and assured to support them.
“The Service conveys its deepest sympathies to family and friends of the fallen Police Officer, and assures them of our unwavering support during this trying period,” reads another part of the statement.
MSSM to Haiti is mourning the death of a Kenyan police officer who was killed in an operation.
In a statement dated February 24, the MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge said the officer died on Sunday, February 23 while receiving treatment at Aspen Level 2 Hospital.
MSSM said the officer was injured during an operation at Pont Sonde, in the Artibonite department.
The Mission said the officer was evacuated to LEVEL 2 hospital at LSA 1 where he succumbed to injuries.
“Today, Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, one of our MSS officers from the Kenyan contingent was injured during an operation in SÉGUR – SAVIEN, in the Artibonite department,” reads part of the statement.
“The officer was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to the injuries.”
Earlier Claims of MSS Losing a Soldier
On February 21, Otunge dismissed reports that MSS has lost some soldiers in KENSCOFF.
He described the claims as misplaced and misinformed propaganda spread by defeatists in various online media outlets.
Otunge added that these individuals, realizing that the gangs’ days are numbered with the start of decisive operations, are attempting to mislead the public.
“I want to retaliate that MSS has not lost any of its personnel in any gang confrontation In KENSCOFF. On the contrary, the MSS, jointly with the Police Nationale d’Haïti (PNH), retook the repeater station in the area which is now adequately guarded,” he said.
Also Read: Why Ruto Wants Haiti to Be Part of Africa
Working with Haiti Police
Additionally, he dismissed claims that MSS personnel and PNH officers were caught up in a friendly fire.
He clarified that the reports are farfetched given that PNH and MSS have trained together and continue doing joint operations unperturbed by the propaganda.
“I want to put it clear that the working relationship between the DG PNH, NORMIL RAMEAU and I the MSS Force Commander, Godfrey Otunge has been and is as cordial and strong as ever,” he said.
“The duo plan and organize security operations together and share resources for maximum impact.”
Also Read: Kenya’s Haiti Gambit: A Test of International Leadership in an Era of Shifting Alliances
MSS Communication Channels
Otunge said he has not spoken to any media house locally or internationally and any such communication will be done through the office of the MSS Strategic Communication and shared as they have always done.
“We call upon the Haitians to continue supporting and collaborating with the MSS and PNH. The MSS remains steadfast and focused on its mandate while supporting and working together with HNP to ensure Haiti regains its glory,” he said.
Kenya sent an additional 217 officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit, along with specialized teams, including medical personnel, mechanics, and communications experts, to join the first contingent of 400 officers deployed to Haiti in June 2024.
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