PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Kenya’s mission in Haiti has dismissed a disturbing video circulating online that claims to show the final moments of police officer Benedict Kabiru, who went missing during a rescue operation in the gang-ravaged Caribbean nation.
Kabiru was part of a Kenyan police contingent deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission that came under attack by a gang in Savien, a volatile town northwest of Port-au-Prince.
Following the ambush, the officer was reported missing in action.
While unverified footage has been shared widely online—purporting to show a Kenyan officer’s lifeless body—Kenyan authorities insist the clip is misleading and part of a disinformation campaign.
Speaking to NTV, MSS mission spokesperson Jack Ombaka rejected the authenticity of the video and reiterated that Kabiru’s status remains unconfirmed.
“We have made strong strides in the operation, and we are working tirelessly to account for all officers,” said Ombaka. “Kabiru was involved in an operation in Port, and it is during this operation that he went missing. As of now, he is still missing in action, and we are using all available resources to locate him.”
Ombaka said the mission is working closely with local Haitian communities, government officials, and international partners to trace Kabiru’s whereabouts.
“We are receiving assistance from all parties, including the local Haitian population, the Haitian government and international partners. I am happy to report that the progress we are making is very good,” he added.
On the viral footage, Ombaka cautioned against rushing to conclusions based on unverified content—especially in the age of AI-generated misinformation.
“Many of the Haitian gangs thrive on propaganda. Given the current technological climate, particularly with the advent of AI, it is highly unlikely that the video in circulation depicts Benedict Kabiru,” he said.
He also confirmed that Kabiru’s family had been contacted and assured that efforts to locate the officer remain a top priority.
The incident underscores the risks faced by Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti as part of an international effort to stabilize the country, where criminal gangs have tightened their grip on key regions, paralysing public services and threatening peace efforts.
Despite recent setbacks, the MSS mission has vowed to push ahead with operations aimed at restoring order and rescuing civilians caught in the violence.
