NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 24 — The family of Benedict Kabiru, a Kenyan police officer who went missing in Haiti six months ago, is demanding answers after President William Ruto confirmed he died in an ambush attack.
Family Devastated by News
During a high-level meeting in New York, President Ruto revealed that Kabiru was among three Kenyan officers killed in Haiti. The others were Samuel Tompoi and Kennedy Nzuve.
Kabiru’s mother, Jecinta, broke down in tears after hearing the announcement. “Why are they torturing me? They knew the truth all along,” she said in an emotional interview with Citizen TV. “I want my son’s remains brought home so I can bury him with dignity.”
Her pain grew deeper because government officials had given her hope for months. In fact, the family even sued the government earlier this year, accusing it of hiding information about Kabiru’s fate.
How Kabiru Disappeared in Haiti
The officer went missing on March 25 during an anti-gang operation in Port-au-Prince. According to Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission spokesperson Jack Ombaka, gangs ambushed Kabiru’s team after their armored vehicle got trapped in a ditch that appeared to be dug deliberately.
Other officers escaped with injuries. However, gang members captured Kabiru and took him away. Inspector General Douglas Kanja later sent specialized teams to find him, yet no trace of him surfaced until Ruto’s announcement.
Family Demands Truth and Closure
Kabiru’s relatives now want the government to disclose exactly when he died and why it took six months to confirm the news. “The President would not speak without proof,” Jecinta said. “But until I see his body, I cannot believe he is gone.”
In addition, the family insists on immediate repatriation of Kabiru’s remains so they can give him a proper burial. They argue that this is the only way to achieve closure.
Risks Facing Kenyan Officers in Haiti
Kenya leads the UN-backed Haiti security mission, which aims to stabilize the country after years of gang violence. However, the deployment has placed Kenyan officers in extreme danger.
Kabiru’s death therefore raises serious concerns about the safety of the troops. It also highlights gaps in communication between the government and families of officers serving abroad. As Amnesty International notes, transparency and accountability remain critical in such missions.
Final Plea
“What we want now is closure,” Jecinta said, her voice breaking. “Bring my son home.”
