The National Police Service (NPS) has officially confirmed the death of Benedict Kabiru, the Kenyan officer who went missing in Haiti six months ago while serving under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM).
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 25, the police revealed that they had finally received credible information about Kabiru’s death, ending months of uncertainty that had left his family and the country in suspense.
Officer Went Missing After Gang Ambush
According to the NPS, Kabiru disappeared on March 25, 2025, following a violent ambush by heavily armed gangs along the Carrefour Paye-Savien supply route in the Pont-Sonde area of Artibonite Department.
The officer had been on duty with his colleagues when their armored vehicle got trapped in a ditch, which authorities believe had been deliberately dug by gangs to trap security forces. While trying to recover the vehicle, the officers came under heavy attack.
Most of Kabiru’s colleagues managed to escape, though some sustained injuries. However, Kabiru was seized by the gang during the chaos, and his whereabouts remained unknown for months despite continued search efforts.
NPS Statement and Family Notification
In its statement, the NPS explained that they had kept in close contact with Kabiru’s family since his disappearance in March, regularly updating them as efforts were made to trace him.
The police described the news of his death as tragic and deeply painful, adding that the family has now been formally notified.
“The officer had been reported missing while on duty on March 25, following an ambush in the Artibonite region. In a tragic turn of events, the National Police Service has now received confirmation of his death, and the family has been informed,” part of the statement read.
Conflicting Accounts From State Officials
Kabiru’s case has been the subject of confusion in recent weeks after different arms of government issued contradicting statements about his fate.
During a speech at the United Nations Council earlier this week, President William Ruto stated that Kabiru was among three Kenyan officers who had lost their lives while serving in Haiti.
But in a separate court session, the Attorney General’s office said it had not received any official report confirming his death, raising questions and concerns.
On Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen put the matter to rest, supporting President Ruto’s statement. He confirmed that Kabiru was indeed the third Kenyan officer to die while on the mission.
“Mr. Kabiru lost his life in very unfortunate circumstances, which were not directly linked to the first attack. The family has been informed, and we deeply sympathize with them,” Murkomen said during a Jukwaa la Usalama meeting in Garissa Town.
Family Had Sought Court Intervention
The government’s clarification came shortly after Kabiru’s family took legal action, filing a petition in court demanding clear information on whether their loved one was dead or alive.
For months, they had endured pain and confusion, hoping that Kabiru might still be alive but also fearing the worst.
The official confirmation from the police now puts an end to speculation, though it leaves the family and the nation mourning the loss of a dedicated officer who died while serving abroad.
Kabiru’s death brings the total number of Kenyan casualties in Haiti to three, highlighting the risks that Kenyan security forces face as they continue to support international peace and security operations in the troubled Caribbean nation.
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