Family of Kenyan police officer killed in Haiti appeals to gov't to cover funeral expenses

The body arrived in the country on Friday at around 9 p.m., with a delegation led by police spokesperson Michael Muchiri present at the airport to oversee the repatriation.

Nzuve died on August 31 while serving in the multinational security support mission in Haiti. He becomes the third Kenyan officer to lose his life since the deployment began. 

A heavy, emotional atmosphere hung over Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as the body of Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve, a Kenyan police officer who died while on a peacekeeping mission in Haiti, was received by his grieving family, friends, and colleagues.

The somber silence and distraught expressions reflected the deep anguish the family has endured since his death on August 31.

“We have been waiting for agonizing three weeks. It has been a tough moment for us,” said Steve Mutuku Peter, the family spokesperson.

Though still struggling to come to terms with his sudden demise, the family expressed a sense of relief, saying the return of his remains now allows them to begin burial preparations, a step toward finding closure.

“There have been so many speculations that he is not coming. It is a relief for us today. We can now start preparations for his burial now that we have him around. We trust God, it has been a long journey,” Mutuku added.

Following a brief requiem mass led by clergy from the Administration Police Service, officer Nzuve’s body was transferred to Chiromo Mortuary. The family has since appealed to the government to fully cover the funeral expenses.

“Procedurally it is the government that repatriated his remains. We are extending the same request as we prepare for his send-off. I’m sure the government will chip in so that we can give him a befitting send-off,” he noted. 

Nzuve is among three Kenyan police officers who have lost their lives while deployed to Haiti as part of the UN-backed multinational security support mission. He died when an armored vehicle overturned during an operation in Port-au-Prince.

The other fallen officers include 31-year-old Samuel Kaetuai, who was laid to rest in March, and Benedict Kabiru, whose body is yet to be repatriated.

Officer Nzuve is survived by his wife and two children. He will be laid to rest next week at his home in Katuaa village, Machakos County.