A family in Naserian Village, Kajiado County, has been thrust into mourning following the tragic death of a police officer who was shot dead in Haiti.
The officer, who was among 600 Kenyan police officers working as part of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti from 2024, was shot by suspected gang members while on patrol on February 23, 2025.
According to a statement released by the National Police Service, Kaetuai, 28, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack at Artibonite region, north of the capital Port au Prince, and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Kaetuai Salaash, the slain officer’s father mourned his son’s death, terming it as tragic and a big blow to the whole family.
Salaash said he was informed of his son’s demise Monday morning by police officers who visited his home to break the news.
He said that they were still in shock and urged the government to ensure that his body is brought back home for a proper send-off.
“This is very painful and shocking, we were informed of the news in the morning by the police. I want to urge the government to bring his body back to Kenya for burial,” said Salaash.
Amos Kaetuai, the officer’s brother, said they had lost a breadwinner who took care of the whole family.
He said they had received the news with shock, as he had been constantly communicating with them since he was deployed to Haiti 8 months ago.
“We are very saddened by the loss of my brother. He was the only one who had a pay slip in this family; it is unfortunate that we have lost a helper,” he said.
The widow, Naomi Samuel, noted that her husband was a loving and caring man who ensured that his family and two children lacked nothing.
She said they had not spoken on the phone in the past few weeks as he was busy, but they always communicated through messages and his demise had dealt her a big blow as she is now left with two young children to fend for.
The deceased officer joined the Police Service in 2021 and worked in Wajir and Mandera counties before being deployed to Haiti in June 2024.
He is the first police officer reported to have lost his life in Haiti since the mission began.
