Police officer Kabiru's family seeks closure as Haiti mission ends
National
By
Hudson Gumbihi
| Mar 31, 2026
The family of Benedict Kabiru, the police officer killed in Haiti while on a security operation, plans to conduct a mock burial after losing hope that his body will ever be recovered.
This comes as Kenya withdraws its officers from the Caribbean nation, where their mandate officially ends today (Tuesday).
Kabiru was part of the 800-strong contingent deployed in Haiti under the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, tasked with restoring order following the takeover of criminal gangs.
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Initially classified as missing, the 34-year-old officer was later declared dead by the Kenyan government. “When his colleagues returned, we were disappointed there was no mention of him, nor any update from the government,” said Kabiru’s uncle, Daniel Kabiru.
Although top police commanders and senior government officials maintain that the mission was largely successful, the deaths of Kabiru and two colleagues overshadowed these achievements.
“There has been no clarity, and no government officials seem willing to talk to us,” Daniel added.
From the osnset, the operation faced logistical and funding challenges, affecting officers, some of whom have already returned home after the 18-month tour in a country destabilised by notorious gangs.
Kabiru paid the ultimate price, alongside Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve and Constable Samuel Kaetuwai. The latter two were repatriated and buried, but Kabiru’s body remains missing, leaving his family in profound distress.
The absence of Kabiru’s body has placed the National Police Service (NPS) in a difficult position. Under the law, he can only be formally declared dead after seven years if the body remains unfound.
Through their lawyer, the family has requested a detailed update from the NPS, including inquiry progress, findings, recommendations, and any official confirmation of Kabiru’s death.
“The family intends to seek a High Court declaration that he be presumed dead, to facilitate formal recognition of his death and the processing of legal and administrative matters affecting his estate and dependents,” wrote advocate Mbuthi Gathenji.
The uncertainty surrounding Kabiru’s death highlights the challenges faced by the MSS mission, whose mandate will now be taken over by the expanded UN Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
Shortly after the first Kenyan officers arrived in Haiti in June 2024, UN human rights expert William O’Neil expressed concerns over their preparedness. He flagged inadequate equipment and called for helicopters, night-vision goggles, and drones to combat criminal gangs effectively. “The MSS mission, authorised by the UN Security Council in October 2023, has deployed less than a quarter of its planned contingent,” O’Neil noted.
The first batch of officers returned home on December 9, 2025, with the second group of 215, accompanied by Kanja, landing on 17 March 2026 at Old Airport, Embakasi, where senior government officials received them.