Kenyan police deployed in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission have faced increasing casualties, with two officers seriously injured in clashes with heavily armed gangs over the past week. These injuries add to the growing list of losses the mission has suffered as it grapples with escalating violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Since their deployment in June 2024, Kenyan officers have been a major component of the MSS mission, which aims to restore security in Haiti to enable elections by February 2026. However, the mission has struggled with morale issues and concerns over the adequacy of equipment, particularly as gang violence continues to worsen. The recent injuries come after the mission experienced its first fatality in February, and another officer was reported missing just last week.
The officers, who spoke anonymously due to fear of retaliation, reported that one officer was struck in the head by a bullet that pierced his helmet, while another was wounded in the ear by gunfire that penetrated the walls of an armored vehicle. These attacks occurred during routine patrols in areas controlled by gangs, who are responsible for thousands of deaths since 2021.
In response to the increasing frequency of attacks, 20 armored vehicles have been grounded after officers refused to use them, citing concerns over their failure to stop bullets during previous encounters. The MSS delegation plans to present these concerns to U.S. officials this week, emphasizing the need for improved protective gear.
The mission, primarily funded by the United States, has struggled to secure substantial contributions from other nations. While Kenya’s government has framed its intervention in Haiti as a humanitarian effort, analysts suggest that the deployment also serves to boost Kenya’s international profile and strengthen ties with the United States.
MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka acknowledged the casualties, stating that while unfortunate, they are an inherent risk of such missions. He also reassured that the mission continues to receive logistical support from international partners, with guarantees that all equipment meets international standards.
As gang violence continues to destabilize Haiti, the future of the MSS mission remains uncertain, with growing concerns over the safety of personnel and the effectiveness of the intervention.
