Kenyan police officers serving with the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti have vowed to continue pursuing gangs following the death on Sunday of their colleague.

Constable Samuel Kitwai was injured in the Artibonite region, north of the capital Port-au-Prince, and airlifted to a hospital but died moments later, said MSSM Force Commander Godfrey Otunge.

Kenyan officers immediately pursued and killed the gang member who shot Kitwai.

Officers have been conducting security operations in Artibonite over the past one week, neutralising several gangs.

“In response, the residents of Seguin in Pont-Sonde called for similar action in their area. Answering their plea, our brave Kenyan officers responded without hesitation,” the mission’s spokesperson Jack Ombaka said in a statement.

The Kenyan officer becomes the first casualty in the operation that has largely been categorised as successful so far.

Kenya police officers, in honour of their fallen colleague, remained unbowed and vowed to pursue the gangs to the last man.

“This is the price our courageous officer paid – he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti. His fellow officers, unwilling to accept the loss, immediately pursued and neutralised the gang member responsible,” Ombaka said.

The National Police Service said the family of the deceased officer had been notified.

The officers were on patrol on Sunday when they came under fire from suspected gang members, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said.

“The officer sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” Nyaga said.

US officials yesterday extended their condolences to Kitwai’s family.

“On behalf of US embassy, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the Kenyan police officer who died yesterday while working to improve security for the Haitian people as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission,” said US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard.

“The United States is grateful for the courageous Kenyan police who are serving in harm’s way to keep our world safer.”

Two weeks ago, the Kenya police-led MSSM received a major boost when the US donated at least 600 assorted guns, ammunition and vehicles.