- A police officer deployed under the MSS mission succumbed to injuries after an operation in Haiti’s Artibonite region.
- The Kenyan-led UN-backed force faces financial and personnel setbacks.
- Over 5,600 people were killed in 2024 due to gang violence, with displacement tripling.
- Despite challenges, President Ruto insists Kenya will deploy the promised 2,500 officers.
A Kenyan police officer deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti has died following an operation in Ségur-Savien, a violence-hit area in Haiti’s Artibonite region.
MSS Force Commander Geoffrey Otunge confirmed the officer’s death in a statement on Monday, revealing that he had been critically injured before being airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital.
“The officer was immediately evacuated for medical attention but, unfortunately, did not survive,” Otunge stated.
The officer succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, February 23, 2025, marking the first known Kenyan casualty since the deployment of the MSS force.
Challenges Facing the MSS Mission
The Kenyan-led MSS mission, which was deployed under United Nations auspices in 2023, has faced numerous setbacks, including financial constraints and personnel shortages.
A key challenge has been delayed funding, especially after former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration froze financial contributions.
Although UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly called for more international aid, the mission has not reached full operational capacity.
Currently, fewer than 800 of the planned 2,500 police officers have been deployed, limiting the mission’s ability to effectively combat Haiti’s escalating gang violence.
Haiti’s Worsening Security Crisis
Haiti has witnessed a sharp increase in violence, with over 5,600 people killed in 2024, marking a 1,000-death increase from the previous year.
- More than 1 million people have been displaced, three times the displacement figures of 2023.
- Haitian authorities have repeatedly urged for more international support to curb the escalating crisis.
In response, Kenya deployed 144 additional police officers in January 2025, bringing its total presence in Haiti to 544 officers.
This move followed the U.S. government’s decision to renew financial support for the security mission.
Kenya’s Continued Commitment
Despite the mounting challenges, President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to sending 2,500 officers to Haiti as promised.
“Kenya remains committed to fulfilling its pledge,” Ruto stated.
While the UN Security Council extended the MSS mandate last year, it has stopped short of placing the mission under direct UN control—a step that many Haitian leaders have pushed for.
As Haiti’s security situation continues to deteriorate, questions remain about the MSS force’s ability to stabilize the country, especially amid its ongoing financial and operational difficulties.
