Haiti has been grappling with escalating gang violence for years, but the situation significantly worsened after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. His death left a political vacuum, allowing criminal groups to take control of vast portions of the country.
Armed gangs have since terrorized the population, engaging in kidnappings, assassinations, extortion, and clashes with security forces. The Haitian National Police (HNP) has struggled to contain the chaos due to limited resources, manpower, and corruption within its ranks.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, the international community pushed for a multinational intervention to help restore order.
The United Nations supported the deployment of a foreign police force to bolster the Haitian government’s efforts against the gangs. Kenya emerged as a key contributor to this mission, agreeing to send its police officers to provide reinforcements to the Haitian authorities.
Background of the Crisis in Haiti
Haiti’s security situation has long been fragile, but the recent surge in violence has made life unbearable for millions of its citizens. The gangs that once operated in the shadows have grown into powerful entities, controlling entire neighborhoods and regions. These criminal groups have sophisticated weaponry, funding networks, and territorial control that challenge the authority of the state.
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The assassination of President Moïse not only led to a political crisis but also emboldened gangs to seize control of strategic locations, including police stations and government buildings.
The lack of a strong central government, coupled with economic turmoil and international neglect, has allowed these groups to operate with impunity. Ordinary Haitians live in constant fear, as gang activity has led to mass displacements, disrupted supply chains, and worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The Role of Kenyan Police in Haiti
Kenya’s decision to lead the multinational security mission in Haiti was driven by a commitment to global peacekeeping and the need to stabilize a country on the brink of collapse.
The Kenyan government sent hundreds of police officers to Haiti as part of a broader effort to restore law and order. Their deployment was seen as a crucial step in assisting the overwhelmed Haitian National Police, which has been struggling against the heavily armed gangs.
Kenyan police officer who was shot and killed during a clash with criminal gangs in Haiti identified as 26-year-old Constable Samuel Kitwai. pic.twitter.com/cg8dZ6nhkA
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) February 24, 2025
Kenyan forces were tasked with conducting patrols, securing critical infrastructure, and engaging in operations against gang strongholds. The officers worked in coordination with Haiti’s police and other foreign forces, including personnel from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
The mission was high-risk from the outset, as gangs in Haiti are known for their violent resistance against security forces. Despite the dangers, Kenyan officers pushed forward, determined to make a difference in the embattled nation.
The Tragic Death of Constable Samuel Kitwai
Tragedy struck when one of the Kenyan police officers, Constable Samuel Kitwai, was fatally injured in an operation in the Western Artibonite region, a gang-controlled area notorious for violence. The 26-year-old officer was part of a team conducting a security operation when he was attacked. He was quickly evacuated from the area but succumbed to his injuries.
The commander of Kenyan forces in Haiti, Godfrey Otunge, confirmed Kitwai’s death but provided limited details regarding the incident. The Gran Grif gang, which controls the region, is suspected of being responsible for the attack. Haitian authorities and Kenyan officials have yet to release further statements on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances of his death.
The loss of Constable Samuel Kitwai is a major setback for the mission, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by foreign forces operating in Haiti. It also raises concerns about the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the multinational intervention, given the ferocity of the gang resistance.
Challenges Facing the Multinational Force
The killing of Constable Kitwai underscores the immense challenges that foreign forces face in Haiti. The country’s gangs are deeply entrenched, with sophisticated networks that allow them to smuggle weapons, extort businesses, and recruit members. Many of these gangs operate with near-total impunity, as Haiti’s weak government struggles to enforce its authority.
One of the biggest difficulties facing the Kenyan forces and their allies is the lack of local support in certain areas. While many Haitians desperately want security, some communities are hesitant to trust foreign troops, fearing that military operations could lead to civilian casualties. Additionally, gangs have exploited anti-foreign sentiments, portraying international forces as occupiers rather than liberators.
Another major challenge is the coordination between different forces involved in the mission. The presence of police officers from multiple countries, each with different training and operational procedures, makes joint efforts complex. Ensuring that these forces work in sync is crucial for the success of the intervention.
The Future of the Kenyan Mission in Haiti
The death of Constable Samuel Kitwai has sparked debates about the future of Kenya’s involvement in Haiti. Some critics argue that the deployment places Kenyan officers in unnecessary danger, while others insist that withdrawing now would embolden the gangs and worsen the situation. The Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to the mission but acknowledges the risks involved.
Kenya has already sent over 600 officers, with an additional 200 joining the mission in February. These reinforcements were meant to strengthen security operations, but the latest casualty has raised concerns about whether the mission is adequately equipped to handle the brutal gang warfare in Haiti.
There have been calls for better intelligence gathering, enhanced coordination with local authorities, and additional support from the international community to ensure the success of the mission.
The Haitian government continues to rely heavily on foreign assistance to combat the gangs. However, there is growing pressure on Haiti’s leadership to develop long-term solutions that do not solely depend on external forces.
Strengthening local institutions, reforming the police force, and addressing the root causes of gang violence—such as poverty and political instability—are crucial steps toward lasting peace.
The killing of Constable Samuel Kitwai in Haiti is a grim reminder of the dangers facing international security forces operating in the country. Despite their best efforts, Kenyan and other foreign officers are up against well-armed, ruthless gangs that have taken control of much of Haiti. The tragic loss of life raises questions about the effectiveness of the intervention and whether more needs to be done to support the mission.
As Kenya and its allies assess the future of their involvement in Haiti, the need for a comprehensive strategy becomes more evident. While military and police interventions are necessary to restore order, they must be complemented by efforts to strengthen Haiti’s governance and economic stability. The ultimate goal should be to create conditions where Haiti can independently maintain security without relying on foreign forces.
For now, the mission continues, but the risks remain high. The international community must decide how best to support Haiti while minimizing the dangers to those who have stepped up to restore peace. The loss of Constable Samuel Kitwai is a tragic setback, but it should serve as a wake-up call for all those involved in Haiti’s security efforts.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏