The mother of Benedict Kabiru, a Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) who has been reported missing following a gang attack, has issued an urgent appeal to the government for swift action and detailed information regarding her son’s whereabouts.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, March 27, 2025, the officer’s mother, Jacinta Wanjiru Kabiru, expressed her distress over the lack of information, stating that since receiving the initial report from the Kikuyu sub-county commander about her son’s disappearance, no further updates have been provided.

She emphasised the urgency of the situation, noting that more than 24 hours had passed without any news.

“My request is for the government to act as quickly as possible. Since yesterday morning at 6:30 am, the report I received from the Kikuyu sub-county commander was that my son had gone missing. I have not received any other update,” she stated.

“When I call, they just tell me that my son is missing and is being searched for. Now, it has been more than 24 hours, yet when I call, they still say he is being searched for, but I have no official report. I am asking the government to give me back my son, just as I handed him over—alive and in good health.”

The officer’s mother appealed to the government, requesting the safe return of her son, whom she described as the sole provider and hope for her family.

“Now, I am pleading with the government—I want my child back, just as I handed him over, alive and in good health. He is my only source of support; he is the only hope for my family. I want my son, and I need a report as soon as possible,” she appealed.

Kabiru’s disappearance

According to MSSM spokesperson Jack Ombaka, Kabiru disappeared on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at around 4:30 pm during a patrol operation along the Carrefour Paye-Savien Main Supply Route in the Pont-Sonde area, Artibonite Department.

In a statement, Ombaka said that Ombaka, Kabiru, was in an armoured vehicle belonging to the Haitian National Police (HNP) when it got trapped in a ditch, which is suspected to have been deliberately dug by gangs.

Ombaka added that two MSS Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles were sent from Pont-Sonde to help retrieve the stranded armoured vehicle.

“Unfortunately, during the recovery efforts, one of the MRAPs also got stuck, while the other developed a mechanical issue. As the rescue teams attempted to resolve the situation, suspected gang members who were lying in wait launched an attack,” Ombaka stated.

The attack created a chaotic situation, and one Kenyan contingent officer was reported missing. Ombaka stated that specialised search teams have since been deployed to find the officer and establish his whereabouts.

“As a result of the incident, one MSS Kenyan contingent officer remains unaccounted for. Specialised teams have been deployed to conduct a search and determine his whereabouts,” Ombaka added.

Ombaka assured that a comprehensive briefing will be provided as investigations continue.