NAIROBI, Kenya – The body of Kenyan police officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who was killed while serving in Haiti, arrived in Nairobi on Monday evening, received by top police officials and family members at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, led the delegation of senior officers who received the fallen officer’s remains.
Also present were the Commandant of the Border Police Unit, James Kamau, Director of Medical Services APS Lilian Kanini, and National Police Service Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
Kajiado County Senator Peris Tobiko joined the officer’s family and friends at the solemn reception.
DIG APS RECEIVES THE BODY OF THE LATE SAMUEL TOMPOI KAETUAI AT JKIAThe Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Mr. Gilbert Masengeli, this evening, March 10, 2025, received the body of the late Police Officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai at Jomo Kenyatta…
Kaetuai was among the Kenyan officers deployed to Haiti under the Multinational Security Support Mission, aimed at restoring order in the gang-ridden Caribbean nation.
He succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during a firefight with armed gangs in late February, according to the National Police Service.
His death came amid an escalation of violence in Haiti, where the United Nations reported over 5,600 deaths in gang-related attacks in 2024 alone.
In the days following his death, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja visited Kaetuai’s family in Naserian Village, Kajiado County, describing him as a “hero and ambassador” who died in service of global peace.
He assured the family that the government remains committed to the safety of officers deployed abroad.
The officer’s body was taken to Chiromo Mortuary for preservation, with burial arrangements to be announced later.
Kenya has deployed over 800 police officers to Haiti as part of the UN-backed mission.
The operation, however, has faced uncertainty due to funding challenges, with the US temporarily halting financial support in February before later reinstating it.
Despite the hurdles, the mission continues as Haiti grapples with severe instability, leaving many residents displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
