A Kenyan police officer serving under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti succumbed to injuries sustained during an operation on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The officer, deployed from the Artibonite department, was injured while carrying out an operation in the SÉGUR – SAVIEN area, according to an MSS statement released on the same day.
The injured officer was airlifted to Aspen Hospital, a level-2 facility, where he later died from his wounds. “Today, Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, one of our MSS officers from the Kenyan contingent was injured during an operation in SÉGUR – SAVIEN in the Artibonite department. The officer was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries,” the statement read.
Earlier reports had indicated that the officer was injured at Pont Sonde and was receiving treatment at the time. This tragic development follows recent clarifications from MSS regarding misinformation circulating about the mission. In a statement issued on February 21, MSS refuted claims that Kenyan personnel had been killed by Haitian gangs in Kenscoff, describing such reports as “malicious propaganda.” The mission’s Force Commander, Godfrey Otunge, emphasized the strong and collaborative working relationship between the Kenyan contingent and the Haiti National Police (PNH).
Otunge firmly dismissed assertions of friendly fire incidents, stressing that joint training between MSS and PNH makes such occurrences highly unlikely. Despite recent speculation over potential underfunding following a temporary U.S. funding hold, officials from the U.S., Kenyan Government, and MSS have confirmed that sufficient funds are available to support the mission.
The MSS remains committed to strengthening security operations in Haiti and ensuring the safety of its personnel, even as it faces challenges on the ground.