Kenyan Police Officers Injured Amid Gang Violence In Haiti

NAIROBI, April 1 (Reuters) - Two Kenyan police officers in Haiti have been seriously injured in clashes with gangs over the past week, highlighting the growing dangers faced by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. This mission, which Kenya first deployed officers to last June, currently comprises around 1,000 security personnel, with approximately three-quarters of them from Kenya.

The MSS mission aims to restore sufficient security in Haiti to allow for elections by February 2026. However, it has faced significant challenges, including morale issues and uncertainty regarding its potential expansion amid escalating gang violence. The mission suffered its first fatality in February, and just last week, another Kenyan officer was reported missing, with sources indicating that he is believed to be dead.

The two recent injuries occurred during routine patrols in and around the capital Port-au-Prince, which has been largely overtaken by heavily armed gangs responsible for thousands of deaths since 2021. According to three officers who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, the gangs have been increasingly aggressive in their attacks.

MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka confirmed that two officers were evacuated to the Dominican Republic for medical treatment. "As in any mission, casualties are sometimes unavoidable," he stated. The injuries sustained were severe; one officer was shot in the head when a bullet penetrated his helmet, while the other was hit in the ear by a gunshot that passed through the walls of an armored vehicle.

Concerns about the quality of protective equipment have been mounting, as twenty armored vehicles were grounded over the weekend after officers refused to use them. The officers expressed dissatisfaction, noting that this was the second instance where a vehicle failed to stop a bullet.

In response to these ongoing issues, an MSS delegation plans to travel to Washington this week to discuss concerns over the quality of protective gear with U.S. officials. The United States has provided the majority of funding and equipment for the MSS mission, which has struggled to secure substantial contributions from other nations.

While the Kenyan government has cited humanitarian reasons for its involvement in Haiti, analysts suggest that the deployment also serves to enhance Kenya's international profile and strengthen ties with the United States. In light of the recent incidents, Ombaka assured that the MSS continues to receive increased logistical support from partners, claiming that all equipment meets international standards. However, the U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the situation.

The MSS mission, which has been operational for less than a year, faces a precarious future as it grapples with the realities of gang violence in Haiti. With the situation deteriorating, the pressure on Kenyan officers and the MSS as a whole is mounting.

As violence in Haiti escalates, the mission's objectives become increasingly complicated. The MSS was established not only to restore security but also to create a safe environment for the upcoming elections. Yet, with the gangs exerting more control over Port-au-Prince, the likelihood of achieving these goals appears to be diminishing.

For the Kenyan officers on the ground, the risks have become alarmingly tangible. The recent injuries and the loss of a fellow officer underline the perilous nature of their work. As they navigate the challenges of their deployment, the question remains: will the MSS be able to fulfill its mission in such a hostile environment?

With the international community watching closely, the coming weeks will be critical for the MSS and its Kenyan contingent. The officers' experiences and the mission's challenges could serve as a litmus test for future international peacekeeping efforts in similarly volatile regions.