Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Haiti While Fighting Gangs

A Kenyan police officer in Haiti was killed by gang members during a mission to combat gang violence in Pont-Sonde. The officer was wounded during an operation but died after being airlifted for treatment. This incident reflects the ongoing challenges in Haiti following political instability and highlights the involvement of international forces, including Kenyan police.

In Haiti, a Kenyan police officer assisting in efforts to control violent gangs was fatally shot during an operation in the Artibonite region. The incident occurred while Kenyan forces responded to a distress call from residents of Pont-Sonde, a community affected by gang activities. Following the shooting, the injured officer was airlifted for medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries, according to Godfrey Otunge, commander of the Kenyan forces in Haiti.

After the officer was attacked, Kenyan police pursued the gang members involved. Jack Ombaka, a mission official, expressed gratitude for the assistance from hospital staff and Salvadoran forces, noting the collaborative effort against the gangs. Ombaka remarked, “This is the price our courageous officer paid — he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti. We salute our fallen hero.”

The death underscores the challenges faced in addressing gang violence in Haiti, exacerbated by the political instability following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Kenya has contributed hundreds of officers as part of an international mission to support Haiti’s weakened law enforcement, with an additional 200 officers dispatched in February. These forces are operating alongside police from other nations such as Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador as part of a multinational effort.

The fatal shooting of the Kenyan police officer highlights the perilous situation in Haiti, where ongoing gang violence presents significant challenges to public safety. This incident sheds light on the risks faced by international forces assisting local law enforcement as they strive to restore order in the country.

Original Source: apnews.com