Days after the tragic death of Kenyan police officer Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve in Haiti, his family has shared the details of their final conversation with him. Nzuve, who was deployed under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), spoke to his mother just two days before he died in a road accident in Port-au-Prince.
In that call, he was cheerful, optimistic, and even said he had grown to love Haiti despite its dangers. His story sheds light on the personal sacrifices made by officers serving abroad.
On Friday, August 29, Nzuve called his mother, Serah Ndunge, from Haiti. She later recalled the conversation during an interview with Citizen TV.
“We spoke on Friday. He was happy and sounded content with his stay. He even told me how much he had grown to love Haiti,” she said.
For his mother, that call was a moment of relief. Her son, who was serving in a nation plagued by gang violence, had assured her that he was safe. He even told her he was looking forward to returning home in November for his leave.
Ndunge admitted she did not call him over the weekend, believing he was fine after their last conversation. But within 48 hours, her world changed.
On Sunday, August 31, news reached the family that their only child had been killed in an accident involving two armored vehicles in the mountainous area of Perlerin 9, along the Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville road.
The road is notorious for ambushes, clashes, and accidents. Nzuve was among two people killed after one vehicle towing another developed mechanical problems, leading to the crash.
MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka confirmed that eight other officers were injured, three of them critically. Nzuve was rushed to Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville but was pronounced dead shortly after.
Corporal Nzuve Is Remembered for Dedication
For his family, the pain is deep. They described Nzuve as a kind and committed son who always thought about giving back to the community. His relative, Faith Phillip, appealed to the Kenyan government to help with repatriation and burial arrangements.
“We would like the government to help in burying our son. We hope for the necessary support to give him a befitting send-off,” she said.
Nzuve was born on March 8, 1984, in Machakos County. He joined the National Police Service in 2005 and served in the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU). His career took him to various regions, including Narok and Baringo counties, where he earned respect for his discipline and courage.
When Kenya deployed officers to Haiti, he was selected to join the 3rd contingent. His service there was recognized by MSS leaders, who described him as a committed officer and a symbol of Kenya’s role in supporting international peace.
Family and Community Mourn a Painful loss
Nzuve’s mother is struggling to accept the loss of her only child. She said he had been full of life, looking forward to returning home soon, and had expressed no fear in their final call.
The family is now preparing to welcome his body back home, hoping that the government will honor his sacrifice. His relatives and community members in Machakos remember him not only as a police officer but also as a son, a mentor, and a role model who sought to uplift others.
The tragedy highlights the dangers Kenyan officers face while serving abroad in unstable regions. It also shows the weight their families carry, balancing pride in their loved ones’ service with the fear and grief that come when missions end in tragedy.
For Ndunge, the words from her son’s final call remain etched in her heart. Her son may have died far away in Haiti, but to her, he will always be remembered for his courage, love, and optimism even in the face of danger.
