A Kenyan police officer serving under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti has tragically died following a road accident on Sunday, August 31, while eight other officers sustained injuries. According to MSS Spokesperson Jack Ombaka, the accident occurred around 5:00 PM during a recovery operation involving two MaxxPro armored vehicles. One vehicle was towing another that had developed mechanical issues when the incident occurred. The injured officers and several civilians were rushed to Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville, where the Kenyan officer and one civilian were pronounced dead.
Eight MSS officers sustained injuries. Three of the injured are in serious condition and require medical evacuation to the Dominican Republic for specialized treatment after initial care at the Aspen Level 2 Hospital at the LSA 2,
Jack OmbakaOmbaka extended condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to support the injured.
Repatriation Efforts Underway
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that, in collaboration with the Haitian National Police (HNP), arrangements are being made to repatriate the fallen officer’s body to Kenya. The officer’s next of kin have been informed, and the NPS has assured that the injured personnel are receiving continued quality medical care.
Background on the MSS Mission
The MSS mission, led by Kenya, was deployed to Haiti over a year ago with the aim of supporting local authorities in restoring peace and order amid increasing lawlessness. However, the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate, with the capital Port-au-Prince now reportedly under near-total gang control. Although the MSS had planned to deploy 2,500 police officers, only about 1,000 personnel from six countries have been sent so far including over 700 from Kenya.
A Mission Under Pressure
In a recent letter, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that Haiti remains shamefully overlooked and woefully underfunded, stating that the MSS mission lacks the resources and capacity to meet the growing challenge fully.The ongoing instability follows the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which plunged the country deeper into political and civil unrest.
Conclusion
This incident is a grim reminder of the dangerous and complex environment MSS personnel are operating in. As Kenya continues its leadership role in the mission, it faces rising logistical, financial, and security challenges.The nation now mourns the loss of yet another brave officer while praying for the recovery of the injured and continued success of the peacekeeping effort in Haiti.
