HAITI President Fritz Alphonse Jean has visited the Multinational Security Support mission camp where Kenyan police officers are based following the killing of one of the officers by gangs.

The president reaffirmed Haiti’s commitment to the MSS mission as he condoled with the officers.

The visit follows the killing of constable Benedict Kairu who was shot dead in an ambush by gang members during a security operation on Tuesday.

The President on Thursday, held a meeting with MSS leadership, led by Force Commander Godfrey Otunge.

The visit came as officers were still searching for the body in the troubled city.

He reiterated Haiti’s commitment in collaborating with MSS officers and other partners in the search for a Kenyan officer who went missing on March 25 in the Pont-Sondé area of the Artibonite Department.

The President commended the MSS contingents for their service to the Haitian people.

He also praised what he called the strong and productive working relationship between the Haitian National Police and MSS officers led by Kenya.

He encouraged the MSS troops to remain resolute and dedicated in their mission to create a safer Haiti.

Addressing the MSS personnel, he expressed his gratitude for their commitment to protecting the Haitian people from gang violence. 

Otunge assured him that MSS officers remain motivated and steadfast in their duties.

He highlighted the successes MSS has achieved so far and welcomed the Haitian leadership’s collaborative efforts in the search for the missing Kenyan officer.

Otunge commended the late officer’s bravery in striving for a safer Haiti. He also expressed appreciation for the local community in Pont-Sondé, acknowledging their continued cooperation with MSS and HNP in the fight against gang violence and their efforts in the search of the missing officer.

Accompanying the President were Prime Minister Didier Fils-Aimé, former Transitional President’s Council President Leslie Voltaire and Haiti National Police Director General Rameau Normil.

“The TPC President and prime minister reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to ensuring that the missing Administration Police Constable Benedict Kabiru is found,” a statement said.

After the attack, videos were shared online purporting to show the officer’s body on the ground.

The body has not been found since then. Kenyan authorities have deployed specialised teams to recover his body which remains in the custody of the gangs.