Kenyan police officer missing in Haiti confirmed dead

The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that a Kenyan officer deployed to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti was killed following an ambush in the troubled Caribbean nation.

The officer had been reported missing on March 25, 2025, after armed gangs attacked security convoys along the Carrefour Paye-Savien supply route in the Artibonite region.

According to NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, a search and rescue operation was immediately launched in collaboration with the Haitian National Police.

“In a tragic turn of events, the National Police Service received information regarding the death of the missing police officer, and the family has been notified,” Nyaga said in a statement released on Thursday.

NPS said the officer’s family was informed of the incident promptly and has since been receiving updates as the situation unfolded.

The police spokesperson also extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen officer, assuring them of “unwavering and continued support during this time of profound sorrow.”

The police expressed commitment that MSSM continues to work closely with Haitian authorities and will provide further updates as investigations progress.

At the same time, Nyaga announced that the body of Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve, who died in a road traffic accident on September 1, will be flown back to the country on Friday, September 26.

“The NPS remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Kenyans, residents, visitors, and their property. Furthermore, we are dedicated to achieving the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti in full compliance with international law,” Nyaga added in the statement.

The statement comes a day after President William Ruto was criticised for his remarks at the ongoing United Nations Council meeting, where he mentioned that officer Benedict Kabiru died in Haiti despite the family saying they were unaware.

President Ruto on Tuesday announced that Kabiru is among three Kenyan security officers who have lost their lives while on duty in Haiti.

The Attorney General's office later told the court that it is not aware of Kabiru's death, who is suspected to have been killed by armed gangs in March 2025. Months later, the NPS had yet to confirm his death, saying a search is continuing.

The family hence moved to court, claiming information had been withheld by the Attorney General’s office.