Jacinta Kabiru, Mother to Benedict Kabiru
The mother of the Kenyan police officer killed in Haiti, Benedict Kabiru demands clarity from the government on her son’s whereabouts.
Haitian authorities have confirmed that Kabiru was killed on Monday, March 24, 2025 during an operation against armed gangs in Savien. According to the Haitian Presidential Transitional Council (PTC), Kabiru died in a joint operation aimed at dismantling gang operations. President Fritz Alphonse Jean hailed Kabiru as a courageous officer, noting his sacrifice symbolized hope for Haiti’s future.
The operation faced fierce resistance, with gang members allegedly setting fire to three armoured vehicles, images of which have circulated online. In Kenya, Kabiru’s mother has disputed the official account, stating that Kenyan police officials informed her only that her son was missing, contradicting reports indicating his death. She has called on the government for a full explanation and expresses hope that he is still alive.
“My plea to the government is that they settle this as quickly as possible. Since yesterday at 6:30 am, the report I was getting from the Administration Police Commander in Kikuyu was that my son had disappeared. It has now been more than 24 hours, and I have heard nothing. The internet is saying that my son is dead,” Kabiru’s mother stated.
Kabiru’s mother has cautioned against the spread of unverified claims, emphasizing the distress caused by premature reports of her son’s death and urging respect for the family during this uncertain time. This tragedy marks the second loss of a Kenyan officer in Haiti since the deployment began in 2024. Kenyan Police Spokesperson in Haiti Jack Ombaka has confirmed the tragedy, saying that the incident occurred after the vehicles got stuck in a ditch, suspected to have been deliberately dug by the gangs.