PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) has confirmed the death of Kenyan officer Benedict Kabiru, who was previously reported as “unaccounted for” by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission following a gang ambush in Savien, near Pont-Sondé, in Haiti’s lower Artibonite department.
In a statement, the CPT extended its deepest condolences to the Kenyan government and people, as well as to Kabiru’s family.
“The Presidential Transitional Council deplores the death of the Kenyan soldier in Savien. These valiant police officers, engaged alongside Haitian forces in the fight against insecurity, made the ultimate sacrifice for a better future for our country. His bravery and commitment will never be forgotten,” the statement read.
The CPT reiterated its determination to combat crime and restore order in Haiti, pledging to bring those responsible for the attack, including armed criminals and their accomplices, to justice.
“No impunity will be tolerated. Those responsible for these heinous crimes will be held accountable for their actions before the courts,” the council affirmed.
The council also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with national and international partners to ensure stability and build a secure and just Haiti.
This confirmation follows the circulation of a disturbing video showing the deceased officer in the hands of suspected gang members.
The amateur footage, recorded on a mobile phone, depicted the officer motionless on the ground as an assailant slapped him. It remains unclear whether he was alive or deceased at that point.
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The MSS had previously confirmed the officer’s disappearance after an ambush on March 25, around 16:30 hrs, during a routine patrol by the Haitian National Police (HNP) along the Carrefour Paye-Savien Main Supply Route. MSS Spokesperson Jack Ombaka reported that the HNP’s armored vehicle became stuck in a suspected deliberately dug ditch.
The subsequent rescue operation, involving two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles from Pont-Sondé, faltered when one MRAP also became stuck and the other suffered a mechanical failure.
“As the rescue teams attempted to resolve the situation, suspected gang members lying in wait launched an attack,” Ombaka stated.
The MSS had deployed specialized teams to locate the officer. The CPT statement did not disclose whether Kabiru’s remains had been recovered.
Kabiru’s death occurred a week after another Kenyan officer was shot during an operation in Kenscoff, within the Belot area. That officer was evacuated to ASPEN Level 2 Hospital and is in stable condition. A month earlier, Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai was killed in the same region while on duty.
Kenya has deployed approximately 800 police officers to Haiti under the UN-backed mission aimed at stabilizing the nation.
