- Two Kenyan police officers in Haiti were injured during an attack by gangs in Port-au-Prince.
- One officer was shot in the head when a bullet pierced his helmet.
- Officers report rising casualties and inadequate protective gear.
- The injured officers were evacuated to the Dominican Republic for medical care.
- A Kenyan delegation will travel to Washington to discuss the quality of protective equipment.
Two Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) sustained injuries during a gang attack in Port-au-Prince. The officers were on a routine patrol when they came under fire from heavily armed gangs.
According to Reuters, one officer was shot in the head after a bullet pierced his helmet, striking his ear inside an armored vehicle. Other officers have reported increasing casualties, citing constant ambushes and inadequate protective equipment.
Concerns Over Equipment Quality
Three MSS officers confirmed that at least 20 police vehicles remain unused because they cannot withstand bullets. However, MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka insisted that logistical support continues to arrive, with all equipment meeting international standards.
“The MSS continues to receive logistical support from partners and stakeholders, with assurances that all equipment meets international standards,” Ombaka said in a statement to Reuters.
The two injured officers were evacuated to the Dominican Republic for medical treatment. Meanwhile, two senior MSS officers confirmed that a Kenyan delegation will travel to Washington to address concerns over protective gear quality.
Previous Casualties in Haiti Mission
This attack comes just weeks after another Kenyan officer was injured on March 18, 2025, and rushed to hospital. The incident follows the death of Samuel Kaitwai, a Kenyan officer who succumbed to injuries last month after being wounded in a separate operation.
Kenya’s Mission in Haiti
The Kenyan-led MSS mission aims to combat rampant gang violence in Haiti, where armed groups control over 80% of Port-au-Prince. Approved by the UN Security Council in 2023, the mission seeks to restore peace before Haiti’s scheduled 2026 elections.
The U.S. government has played a major role in funding the mission, including providing equipment and resources for Kenyan officers deployed in Haiti. However, recent concerns over safety and equipment quality have raised questions about the effectiveness of these provisions.
