Haitian leaders visit MSS camp as search for missing Kenyan officer intensifies

A frantic search continues in Haiti for a missing Kenyan police officer, drawing high-level visits from Haitian government officials to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.

The visit aimed to express solidarity and reinforce efforts to locate the officer.

On Thursday, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) President Fritz Alphonse Jean, accompanied by senior officials, met with MSS personnel after Constable Benedict Kairu went missing following a security operation on Tuesday.

The officer was reportedly shot during the mission, sparking growing concerns over rising attacks on security forces.

During his visit to MSS’s LSA 2, President Fritz engaged with MSS leadership, led by Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, reaffirming Haiti’s dedication to working alongside MSS officers and other stakeholders to locate the missing officer.

He praised their commitment to restoring order and urged them to remain steadfast in their duties.

“We recognize and appreciate the sacrifices you are making to bring peace and security to our country,” said Fritz while addressing the troops.

He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Haitian National Police and MSS officers, highlighting its role in combating gang violence that has destabilized the region.

Force Commander Otunge thanked the TPC President for his support, assuring him that MSS officers remained committed to their mission despite ongoing challenges.

“Our officers remain motivated and will continue working closely with local authorities to achieve our mission,” he stated.

Otunge also acknowledged the role of the local community in Pont-Sondé, appreciating their cooperation in efforts to curb gang violence and assist in finding the missing officer.

The high-level delegation included Prime Minister Didier Fils-Aimé, former TPC President Leslie Voltaire, and Haitian National Police Director General Rameau Normil.

Their presence signified the Haitian government’s commitment to securing the officer’s safe return.

Both the Prime Minister and the TPC President reiterated their willingness to deploy all available resources in the search.

Meanwhile, the officer’s mother, Jacinta Wanjiku Kabiru, has voiced frustration over the uncertainty surrounding her son’s whereabouts.

“Since Wednesday at 6:30 am, the report I got from the AP commander sub-county in Kikuyu is that my son was missing, but I have not heard anything further,” she said.

Reports circulating in Haitian media suggested that a Kenyan MSS officer had been killed, with unverified videos claiming to show the officer’s body.

However, MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka declined to confirm the officer’s identity but acknowledged that a Kenyan officer had gone missing after their convoy was ambushed by armed gangs.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at approximately 4:30 pm when an armored vehicle belonging to the Haitian National Police got stuck in a ditch along the Carrefour Paye-Savien Main Supply Route in the Pont-Sondé area.

Specialized MSS teams have since been deployed to locate the missing officer, but no official updates have been provided by Kenyan authorities in Haiti.

Conflicting reports continue to emerge, with Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council announcing on Thursday that a Kenyan officer had died.

However, Jacinta Wanjiku Kabiru remains unconvinced, maintaining hope that her son is still alive.