Kenyan Officer Killed in Haiti Was Family’s Sole Breadwinner; Only One Employed Among Seven Siblings

Constable Samuel Kaetuai, who died during a security operation in Haiti on Sunday, had always assured his family that he would be safe in the Caribbean nation, and looked forward to returning home after a successful mission.

The slain officer was the sole breadwinner, being the only employed child among his eleven siblings, has been described as an officer who always put the interest of others first. Back home, he was a role model to his siblings on matters of discipline and hard work.

The deceased’s father, Kaetwai Lesaru Salaash, said the death of his beloved son has been exacerbated by the fact that it happened over 12,000 kilometres from their Kajiado home.

The teary father could not hide his pain and anguish, saying nothing ever prepared them for the loss of his son who was a beacon of hope.

“When he went to Haiti six months ago, he was optimistic of a successful mission and coming back home. I remember he told me not to fear,” the father said, falling short of words to express his feelings.

Lesaru recalled his son’s best moment was when he secured the chance to train with the National Police Service (NPS).

“ He wanted to be a police officer and he pursued the same with passion and zeal. His patriotism was evident and he would do anything possible to guard and represent his country when called upon,” he said.

The family of the 28-year-old officer has also appealed to the government to expedite the transfer of the body to Kenya for burial rites.

“I want to accord him a decent burial and it hurts me more that his body is far away. I appeal to the government to ensure that they bring my son, who died a hero while representing my country, back home,” the devastated father said.

Shocking news

The death of the officer was officially announced to the family on Monday by a contingent of police officers who turned up at their home in Naserian village Kajiado East, around 9am.

Shocked and heartbroken friends, relatives and neighbours camped at the family home as they struggled to absorb the shocking news of the loss.

His younger brother, Amos Kaetuai, also described him as a shining star.

Kaetuai who served at the Border Patrol Unit in Mandera in 2021 has left a widow and two children.

The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) Force Commander Godfrey Otunge said the constable was injured during an operation in the Artibonite region, north of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The Kenyan officers immediately pursued and killed the gang member who shot Constable Kitwai.

“One of our MSS officers from the Kenyan contingent was injured during an operation in Segur-Savien, in the Artibonite department.

The officer was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to the injuries,” he said in a statement. The Kenya police officers, in honour of the fallen officer, remained unbowed and vowed to pursue the gangs to the last man to ensure a safe and secure Haiti.

“This is the price our courageous officer paid, he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti,” the mission’s spokesperson Jack Ombaka said in a statement.