A Kenyan police officer patrols Kenscoff, Haiti, where armed gangs have taken hostages and recent attacks left at least 150 dead. (Photo by Clarens Siffroy/AFP via Getty Images).
EPICSTORIAN — A Kenyan officer deployed in Haiti has been killed in a violent gang ambush. The attack took place on Tuesday in Pont-Sondé, a town in the Artibonite region.
Armed criminals targeted security forces as they attempted to recover a stranded police vehicle.
The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), led by Kenya, confirmed that two mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles came under attack. One vehicle became stuck, and the other suffered mechanical failure. While officers worked on repairs, gang members launched an ambush.
Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council later confirmed the officer’s death. He was identified as Bénédict Kabiru. “His bravery and commitment will never be forgotten,” the council stated, honoring his sacrifice for Haiti’s stability.
Kenyan Officer Caught in Gang Violence
Security forces launched a search-and-rescue mission after the ambush, but Kabiru did not survive. Reports of the attack spread quickly, with videos circulating online that allegedly showed the Kenyan officer. However, the MSS has not confirmed the authenticity of the footage.
This is the second Kenyan officer killed since the MSS mission began in June. Last month, another Kenyan soldier died in a separate operation in the same region.
Rubio’s Security Talks Amid Crisis
Haiti’s security crisis has drawn international attention. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the Caribbean to discuss security cooperation and regional stability.
On Wednesday, Rubio landed in Jamaica for a scheduled meeting with Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council President Fritz Jean. The discussions focus on strengthening security efforts and addressing threats posed by armed groups.
Haiti’s Gang Problem Worsens
More than 80% of Port-au-Prince remains under gang control. Criminal groups are expanding into rural areas like Artibonite, a key agricultural region.
In October, the Gran Grif gang massacred at least 70 people, including women and children, in the same town where the Kenyan officer was killed.
The violence has displaced thousands. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that nearly 23,000 people fled their homes in a single week in March.
Humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate, with supply chains disrupted and millions facing food insecurity.
Rubio’s visit comes at a critical time as international leaders explore ways to restore stability in Haiti.
