A Kenyan officer serving under the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti has lost his life in a tragic road accident, alongside a civilian.
The crash happened on the Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville road near Perlerin 9, a stretch of road already known for being dangerous due to its steep terrain, frequent accidents, and frequent gang ambushes.
The incident involved two armored vehicles on Sunday evening during a recovery operation, marking another dark chapter for the mission tasked with bringing stability to Haiti.
According to MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka, the accident occurred when one armored vehicle towing another developed mechanical problems, leading to the crash. Both the Kenyan officer and the civilian were rushed to Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville but were pronounced dead on arrival.
Eight other officers sustained injuries, three of them critically. Those in critical condition are set to be evacuated to the Dominican Republic for specialized care, while the others are being treated at Aspen Level 2 Hospital within the mission base.
Ombaka confirmed the details and offered condolences, saying that the mission stood firmly with the families of the victims and would provide full support.
Though MSS officials did not officially disclose the nationality of the fallen officer, local Haitian media reported that he was Kenyan.
This loss adds to the growing list of dangers confronting Kenyan and other MSS personnel deployed in Haiti, a nation deeply torn apart by violence and instability.
The Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville road, where the accident occurred, is particularly notorious, both for its treacherous terrain and its reputation as a hotspot for criminal activity.
The mission itself has faced repeated tragedies in recent months. Armed gangs continue to tighten their control over parts of Port-au-Prince and other regions, making the environment extremely hostile.
Just two weeks earlier, Haiti’s National Police suffered heavy casualties when two SWAT officers were killed in a drone attack during a raid, showing how violent and unpredictable the security situation has become.
The MSS has also lost personnel in ambushes by heavily armed groups, with at least one officer confirmed dead and another, believed to be Kenyan, still missing and feared dead.
The United Nations has described the crisis in grim terms. Between October 2024 and June 2025, more than 1,000 people were killed, over 200 were injured, and more than 600 kidnapped in different parts of the country.
For Kenyan officers, who form a key part of the multinational deployment, the risks have been immense.
They are on the frontline, supporting Haitian police, protecting critical installations, and operating in areas controlled by gangs.
The death of another officer in this road crash has renewed concern about the safety of operations, especially in such high-risk terrain.
Back home, families of the deployed officers continue to endure fear and uncertainty as news of casualties reaches them. The Kenyan government has pledged support, but questions remain about how long the deployment can withstand such a heavy toll.
For now, the MSS leadership insists the mission will go on. Ombaka emphasized that despite the losses, the resolve to stabilize Haiti remains firm, while also appealing for continued international backing to strengthen the mission.
This latest tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers MSS personnel face daily. With gangs continuing to expand their grip and violence spiraling, the cost of restoring peace in Haiti remains painfully high, especially for the Kenyan officers who continue to serve on the frontline.
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