A Kenyan officer serving under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti has died in a road accident, alongside a civilian. The crash, involving two armored vehicles, happened on the treacherous Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville road near Perlerin 9, a hotspot for gang ambushes and fatal accidents.
Eight other officers were injured, three critically. The tragedy highlights the growing risks faced by MSS personnel deployed in Haiti to help restore order in a nation torn apart by gang violence and insecurity.
MSS Mission Faces Deadly Road Tragedy in Haiti
The accident occurred on Sunday evening during a recovery operation. According to MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka, two MaxxPro armored vehicles were involved. One of the vehicles, towing the other, developed mechanical problems that led to the deadly crash.
Both the officer and a civilian were rushed to Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville but were pronounced dead on arrival. Ombaka confirmed that eight other officers sustained injuries, three of them critical.
The critically injured officers are set for evacuation to the Dominican Republic for specialized treatment. The rest are receiving care at Aspen Level 2 Hospital at the LSA 2 base.
Ombaka, in his statement, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He said the MSS mission would continue supporting both the injured and the relatives of the deceased. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this painful time,” he stated.
Though the MSS did not officially disclose the nationality of the officer, local Haitian media reported that the victim was Kenyan.
Rising Dangers Confronting the Mission in Haiti
This tragedy is the latest in a series of deadly incidents that have struck the multinational force in recent months. Haiti’s streets have become battle zones, with heavily armed gangs controlling large sections of the capital and beyond.
The Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville road where the crash occurred is notorious for ambushes, violent clashes, and frequent accidents. Its steep, winding stretch makes it one of the most dangerous routes outside Port-au-Prince.
Less than two weeks earlier, Haiti’s National Police suffered heavy losses when two SWAT officers were killed after a drone packed with explosives detonated during a raid. Two others were injured in that same attack.
The MSS mission itself has lost personnel in separate ambushes by armed groups. One officer’s death was confirmed while another, believed to be Kenyan, remains missing and feared dead.
The United Nations has painted a grim picture of the crisis. Between October 2024 and June 2025, more than 1,000 people were killed, over 200 were injured, and 620 kidnapped in the Artibonite, Central, and surrounding regions.
Heavy Toll on Kenyan Officers in MSS Mission
Kenyan officers have been at the frontline of the multinational deployment since the mission began. They are tasked with supporting Haitian security forces, protecting key installations, and helping stabilize areas overrun by criminal gangs.
But the risks have been immense. The loss of another Kenyan officer in this road crash has raised concerns over safety procedures during operations, especially in hostile terrain and amid constant gang threats.
Families back in Kenya continue to bear the brunt of the mission’s heavy toll. The Kenyan government has promised support, but many relatives remain anxious about the deployment’s dangers.
Despite the setbacks, MSS leaders insist their mission remains firm. Ombaka reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace in Haiti and supporting affected families. He also stressed the importance of international backing to strengthen the mission and protect officers on the ground.
The latest deaths underline the price MSS personnel are paying to help stabilize Haiti. With violence spiraling and armed groups tightening their grip, the road ahead for the MSS mission remains perilous.
