Two Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti have been seriously wounded in clashes with gangs over the past week, three officers told Reuters, marking another blow to the embattled Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
Kenya, which leads the mission, first deployed personnel last June. The MSS now comprises around 1,000 security officers, with Kenyan forces making up about 75% of the contingent. Tasked with stabilizing Haiti ahead of elections in February 2026, the mission has faced persistent morale issues and uncertainty over expansion amid worsening gang violence.
The latest injuries add to a growing toll. In February, the mission suffered its first fatality, and last week, a Kenyan officer went missing—believed to be dead, according to the three officers who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal.
The two injured officers were attacked during routine patrols in Port-au-Prince, where gangs have tightened their grip since 2021, causing thousands of deaths. MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka confirmed that both officers were evacuated to the Dominican Republic for treatment.
“As in any mission, casualties are sometimes unavoidable,” Ombaka said.
However, officers on the ground report escalating attacks and inadequate protective gear. According to the three officers, one of the wounded was shot in the head after a bullet penetrated his helmet, while the other suffered an ear injury when gunfire pierced the wall of an armored vehicle.
Concerns over faulty equipment have led to a standoff: twenty armored vehicles have been grounded since the weekend after officers refused to use them. This follows a second incident where a vehicle failed to stop a bullet, the officers said.
Amid growing frustration, an MSS delegation is set to visit Washington this week to raise concerns with U.S. officials about the quality of protective gear. The United States has been the mission’s primary financial and logistical backer, though efforts to secure broader international support have yielded little.
Kenya’s government has framed the deployment as a humanitarian intervention, though analysts suggest it also serves to enhance Kenya’s global standing and strengthen ties with Washington.
Asked about equipment concerns, Ombaka maintained that “MSS continues to receive increased logistical support from partners and stakeholders, with assurances that all equipment meets international standards.”
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
