Tragic Loss: Kenyan Police Officer Samuel Kaitwai Killed in Haiti Shootout

Kenyan police officer Samuel Kaitwai was killed in a gang shootout in Haiti, leaving behind a wife and two children. His death highlights the perilous conditions for international forces in Haiti, exacerbated by widespread gang violence. The Kenyan Foreign Ministry expressed sadness over his death, and efforts continue to support the Multinational Security Support force in stabilizing the country.

Samuel Kaitwai, a 28-year-old police officer from Kenya, was tragically killed in a gang shootout in Ségur-Savien, located in the Artibonite department of Haiti. His death has caused profound sorrow in his hometown of Naserian, leaving behind a grieving wife and two young children. Kaitwai suffered critical injuries and passed away after being transported to a local hospital, highlighting the dangerous conditions for international security forces in Haiti, which faces rampant gang violence and political turmoil.

Kaitwai’s father, Kaetuai Lesaru Salaash, expressed his deep sorrow over his son’s untimely death, saying, “I was informed this morning that my son had been killed in an encounter with armed criminals. He has left behind two very young children and a wife.” Furthermore, his wife, Naomi Samuel, recounted that their last conversations centered around their children’s futures. Joseph Kimiti, the family spokesperson, underscored Kaitwai’s dedication to his family and noted his responsible character, particularly highlighting his decision to avoid vices after securing a job.

The loss of Kaitwai represents a significant blow to the Kenyan police force and his community, as he was viewed as a pillar of support. His brother, Amos Kaetuai, remarked, “He was the only one with a stable income, and we all depended on him. You can see, he had even started building a house for his family,” symbolizing Kaitwai’s dreams that remain unfulfilled.

Kaitwai is the first casualty of the Kenyan-led mission since its inception in June of the previous year. MSS spokesman Jack Ombaka confirmed that Kaitwai was shot by a gang member and died shortly after being airlifted to a hospital. The Multinational Security Support (MSS) force, which includes officers from several countries, was deployed to Haiti to provide stabilization in a nation largely overtaken by gangs. This year alone, gang-related violence has resulted in over 5,500 deaths and displaced more than one million individuals across Haiti.

General Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the multinational force, announced that Kaitwai’s family had been informed of his death. The Kenyan Foreign Ministry expressed their profound sadness regarding this incident. Mr. Ombaka referred to Constable Kaitwai as a “fallen hero” who lost his life in the service of Haiti’s populace, criticizing the gangs and vowing to confront them with resolute determination.

In response to ongoing challenges, the MSS recently increased its ranks by adding 200 Kenyan officers. However, the force is severely outnumbered and outclassed due to the superior weaponry in the hands of gangs, primarily obtained through illegal imports from the United States. Moreover, uncertainty lingers as the Trump administration previously imposed a freeze on foreign aid programs. Although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio eventually approved a waiver for certain funds for the MSS and Haiti’s National Police, it is still undetermined whether support will be extended for transforming the MSS into a UN peacekeeping entity, which could secure more consistent funding.

In conclusion, the death of Constable Samuel Kaitwai underscores the dangers faced by international officers in Haiti amidst rampant gang violence and instability. His passing has left a void in his family and community, revealing the personal cost of such service. As efforts to stabilize Haiti continue, challenges remain concerning the adequacy of support for the Multinational Security Support force in fulfilling its mission.

Original Source: mwakilishi.com