Body of Kenyan police officer killed in Haiti mission arrives in Nairobi

The body of Police Officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who tragically lost his life while serving on a peacekeeping mission in Haiti, arrived in Nairobi on Monday evening.

The remains were received with full honours at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by a delegation led by Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli.

Among the mourners were nominated Senator Peris Tobiko, family members, and friends, with Kaetuai's father, Salaash Kaetuai, leading the family in honouring their fallen loved one. Following the arrival, the officer's body was transferred to Chiromo Mortuary for preservation, while funeral preparations were being finalised.

A date for the burial will be announced soon.

Kaetuai was killed during an operation in Haiti, where he had been deployed as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission.

His death was confirmed in late February by the mission on social media, noting that the officer succumbed to injuries sustained in a firefight with armed gangs.

According to the National Police Service, Kaetuai was shot by suspected gang members, and despite being rushed to the hospital for treatment, he did not survive.

The officer's passing came at a time of intense gang violence in Haiti, where the United Nations reported a staggering 5,601 people were killed in gang-related incidents in 2024, an increase of 1,000 deaths from the previous year.

The peacekeeping mission, which has faced uncertainty due to temporary funding suspensions from the US government in February, continues despite the challenges. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later approved the continuation of the mission, securing the funding needed to keep operations in place.

In a show of solidarity, last week, the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, along with other senior officers, visited Kaetuai's family in Naserian Village, Kajiado County, to offer their condolences. Kanja described Kaetuai as a “hero and ambassador” who gave his life in the pursuit of global peace. He also reassured the family that the Kenyan government is prioritizing the safety of all officers deployed in Haiti.

Kenya has sent over 800 police officers to Haiti as part of the ongoing effort to combat the growing gang violence that has led to widespread instability in the country. The United Nations has reported not only the high number of casualties but also the devastation brought about by the loss of law and order in Port-au-Prince and other areas, leaving many Haitians displaced and in dire need of humanitarian aid.

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