MSS terms as propaganda video claiming to show missing Kenyan officer in Haiti
Kabiru was among the officers ambushed by a gang while on a critical rescue mission in Haiti, where gangs have been wreaking havoc across the nation.
Kenya’s mission in Haiti has dismissed a video circulating online claiming to show the final moments of police officer Benedict Kabiru, who went missing during a rescue mission in the troubled Caribbean nation.
The officer was part of a contingent ambushed by a gang while on a mission in Savien, a town northwest of Porto-au-Prince.
More To Read
- Kenya's Haiti mission denies allegations of withholding information from officers' families
- Report highlights challenges Haiti mission faces in battling gang control over key urban areas
- Kenyan police officers in Haiti suffer more casualties in clashes with gangs
- Police IG Kanja says search for officer Benedict Kabiru missing in Haiti still ongoing
Local media in Haiti claimed that a Kenyan member of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission had been killed, and videos circulating online showed an officer’s body lying on the ground, bloodied and lifeless.
In an interview with NTV, MSS mission spokesperson Jack Ombaka dismissed the video, terming it propaganda, and reiterated that Kabiru is still missing.
“We have made strong strides in the operation, and we are working tirelessly to account for all officers. Kabiru was involved in an operation in Port, and it is during this operation that he went missing,” Ombaka said.
“As of now, we are still working to confirm his status. He is still missing in action, and we are using all available resources to locate him.”
Ombaka said the mission has been collaborating with local communities, the Haitian government, and international partners to track down Kabiru.
“We are receiving assistance from all parties, including the local Haitian population, the Haitian government and international partners. I am happy to report that the progress we are making is very good,” he said.
Addressing the circulating video, which some have claimed shows Kabiru’s final moments, the commander emphasised the importance of verifying such content.
“Many of the Haitian gangs thrive on propaganda. Given the current technological climate, particularly with the advent of AI, it is highly unlikely that the video in circulation depicts Benedict Kabiru,” he said.
“We have made efforts to contact his family and ensure they are informed, and I can confirm that the video is not authentic.”
Kabiru was among the officers ambushed by a gang while on a critical rescue mission in Haiti, where gangs have been wreaking havoc across the nation.
Ombaka said the Kenyan mission continues to prioritise the officer’s safe return, with officials remaining focused on confirming his whereabouts.
Top Stories Today
