Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen mourned the third officer killed in Haiti, even as he lauded the mission as a huge success.
The CS said the Government had dispatched a team to visit the family by the time the President was honouring the officer alongside two colleagues in New York, saying any lapse in communication was occasioned by time synchronization.
The officer had earlier been reported missing, and a search and rescue mission was launched.
A police statement said when the Government learnt of the death of the officer, a team was immediately dispatched to the family.
“The officer lost his life in unfortunate circumstances. We condole with the family. I send our deepest sympathies to the family and assure them of our support following this loss. We will give more details with the permission of the family later,” he said.
He was fielding questions from journalists during the Jukwaa La Usalama tour of Garissa County.
He said the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) to Haiti has been a huge success despite the challenges faced.
“Many naysayers expected failure, but our men and women have helped to restore order. The gangs are in hiding; for the first time after many years, Haitian children are sitting their national exams; the airport is functioning, communication masts are functioning, and the Government Square is operational,” said the CS.
He said the mission was a conscious one endorsed by all the necessary architecture, including the National Security Council under the leadership of President William Ruto and Parliament.
“The mission, and its success, has once again affirmed Kenya’s leadership, which has been demonstrated over the years. Today, Namibia’s and South Sudan’s flags are similar to Kenya’s because of the role we played in their struggle for their independence. Our gallant officers were in Kosovo and East Timor too,” he noted.
He said Kenya has shown the world that Haiti can indeed be liberated.
“This is something we should be very proud of. Indeed, if all the pledges by the international community were kept, the success would even have been greater.”
The CS said the experience that Kenyan officers will bring from Haiti will be invaluable to the country.
