A Kenyan police officer serving under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti has been reported missing following an ambush along the Carrefour Paye-Savien main supply route in the Pont-Sonde area, Artibonite Department. The officer disappeared on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, while on duty, according to a statement from the National Police Service (NPS) issued on Wednesday morning.
The NPS confirmed that a search and rescue operation is currently underway in collaboration with the Haitian National Police (HNP) to locate the missing officer. “National Police Service has been notified that a Kenyan police officer serving under the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti is missing. The MSS, in collaboration with the Haitian National Police (HNP), is actively conducting a search and rescue operation to locate the missing officer,” the statement read.
The incident underscores the increasing risks faced by Kenyan officers deployed to Haiti as part of the MSS mission aimed at combating gang violence and restoring stability in the Caribbean nation. The deployment, consisting of over 600 Kenyan police officers, has been met with significant security challenges as gangs continue to wield influence over vast areas of the country, often ambushing law enforcement personnel.
This latest development comes just days after the burial of Constable Samuel Tompoi, a Kenyan officer who lost his life while serving in Haiti. His passing highlighted the dangers facing security forces in the volatile region, where criminal gangs have engaged in violent confrontations with law enforcement agencies.
Despite the challenges, the NPS commended the dedication of Kenyan officers stationed in Haiti. “We commend the National Police officers in Haiti, who remain committed to fulfilling the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission,” the statement added.
As the search operation continues, concerns remain high over the safety of deployed officers. The Kenyan government, alongside international partners, is expected to intensify efforts to ensure the security of its personnel while maintaining its commitment to stabilizing Haiti. The missing officer’s case serves as a grim reminder of the perils of peacekeeping missions in high-risk environments.
