Return of Kenyan Officer’s Body Highlights Challenges in Haiti Mission

Kenyan officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai’s body has been returned home following his death in Haiti’s U.N. mission against gangs. His death, resulting from gang violence, marks the first Kenyan casualty in this mission. Despite calls for more resources, authorities assert that the Kenyan officers are well-trained and prepared for their role in Haiti’s deteriorating security situation.

The body of Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, a Kenyan police officer killed in Haiti, has returned to Kenya for burial. His family and senior police officials received his body on Monday night in Nairobi. Kaetuai was tragically shot by gangs in Haiti on February 23, marking him as the first Kenyan casualty in the ongoing U.N.-backed mission launched last June. No funeral date has been set yet.

Kenya has deployed a contingent of about 800 police officers in this mission, collaborating with soldiers from nations such as Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, in support of Haiti’s National Police. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja emphasized the significance of Kaetuai’s death, calling it “a great loss.” Despite criticism regarding the preparedness of Kenyan personnel, Kanja attested that Kenyan officers are well-trained for the challenges faced in Haiti.

Concerns have been raised about the sufficiency of resources for the mission, with the U.S. and Haiti previously warning that it is under-staffed. They have since proposed transitioning to a U.N. peacekeeping force instead. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres also indicated a move towards U.N. funding for logistics and structural needs of the mission. In 2022, Haiti reported over 5,600 deaths due to gang violence, which has displaced more than a million residents according to U.N. statistics.

The return of Officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai’s body highlights the risks faced by personnel in international missions aimed at stabilizing Haiti amidst rampant gang violence. The Kenyan police contingent remains committed to the mission despite calls for enhanced resources and support from the international community, particularly the U.N. Key figures emphasize the well-preparedness of officers while acknowledging the ongoing crisis in Haiti, marked by unprecedented violence and significant humanitarian issues.

Original Source: www.newsday.com