After months of uncertainty, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the death of a Kenyan police officer who went missing in Haiti while serving under the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM).
Separately, NPS confirmed that the body of Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve, who died in a road accident on September 1, 2025, is expected to arrive in Nairobi on September 26.
In a statement on Thursday, NPS said the officer disappeared on March 25, 2025, during an ambush along the Carrefour Paye-Savien supply route in the Pont-Sondé area of Haiti’s Artibonite Department.
A joint search and rescue operation by the MSSM and the Haitian National Police (HNP) later confirmed that he had died.
“In a tragic turn of events, the National Police Service received information regarding the death of the missing police officer, and the family has been notified,” NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said.
Nyaga added that the service will continue to stand with the bereaved family.
“The NPS extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer and assures them of its unwavering and continued support during this time of profound sorrow.”
The confirmation follows President William Ruto’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he publicly honored officers who had died while on duty in Haiti.
“I must use this occasion to honor the Kenyan officers Mr. Samuel Tuoi, Benedict Kabiru, and Kennedy Nzuve, who lost their lives in the line of duty,” Ruto stated.
His statement marked a departure from earlier assurances by government officials, including the Inspector General of Police, who had insisted the officer was still alive and being tracked.
The family of Benedict Kabiru, who had been missing since March, reacted with shock at the revelation.
Jacinta Kabiru, the officer’s mother, said the family felt misled by the government for months.
“Now, why are they torturing me? Why have they tortured me all this time, knowing very well? I know the President cannot give untrue information. I urge them to come out, bring the remains of my son, so that I can do what is necessary, because I can’t believe it until I see he is there,” she said.
The MSSM, led by Kenya, continues to coordinate operations with the Haitian police and has pledged to provide more updates on the situation.
Reiterating its mission, the police service said it remains dedicated to safeguarding Kenyans and carrying out the Haiti deployment in line with international law.