The body of Kenyan police officer Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who was killed in Haiti, arrived in the country after days of logistical delays. His remains were received on Monday, March 10, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, alongside other officers and family members.
Kaetuai was killed on February 23 during a clash with a gang in Port-au-Prince while on a mission under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) force. He was pursuing a gang when he was fatally shot in the head. His body was transported through the Dominican Republic and the USA before arriving in Kenya.
A somber mood engulfed JKIA as his colleagues and family received his remains. The body was later moved to Chiromo Mortuary ahead of burial arrangements.
Last week, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja led a delegation of senior officers to condole with Kaetuai’s family at Naserian Village, Kajiado East Sub-County. During the visit, Kanja eulogized Kaetuai as a hero who died in the line of duty while upholding global peace. He assured the bereaved family that the Kenyan government and the police service would support them during this difficult time.
Several dignitaries, including DIG-KPS Eliud Lagat, DIG-APS Gilbert Masengeli, Senator Peris Tobiko, State House Controller Dr. Katoo Ole Metito, and NPSC Commissioner John Ole Moyaki, were present to offer their condolences.
Kenya has deployed at least 800 police officers to Haiti under the MSS mission to combat gang violence. The Caribbean nation has been facing a surge in lawlessness, with the United Nations reporting that at least 5,601 people were killed in gang-related incidents in 2024 alone. Over a million Haitians have been displaced due to the violence.
Port-au-Prince remains under significant gang control, causing the collapse of health services, food shortages, and a breakdown of law and order. Meanwhile, Haiti’s transitional presidential council has struggled to restore democratic governance, with little progress made in organizing long-delayed elections.
Kaetuai’s death highlights the dangers Kenyan officers face in their mission to stabilize Haiti amid its worsening security crisis.
