Kenyan Officer Disappears in Haiti, Family in Agony
A Nairobi family is demanding urgent answers after their loved one, Benedict Kabiru Kuria, a Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti as part of a UN-backed peacekeeping mission, mysteriously went missing nearly three months ago. The incident has sparked community outcry diplomatic concerns and questions about Kenya’s international security commitments.
Who Is the Missing Officer?
Benedict Kabiru Kuria, 38 was between the first batch of Kenyan officers deployed to Haiti under the Kenya-led multinational security force aimed at restoring order amid increasing gang violence in Port-au-Prince. The mission greenlit by the UN in late 2023 marked Kenya’s bold foray into universal peacekeeping leadership. However, Kuria vanished without a trace shortly after deployment in April 2025.
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What Occurred in Haiti?
Officer Disappears Amid Escalating Violence
According to early reports Kuria was last seen in a routine patrol near Delmas one of Port-au-Prince’s most volatile neighborhoods. Haitian local media and independent watchdogs speculate foul play citing the increasing danger of gang ambushes and abduction-for-ransom cases targeting foreign peacekeepers.
Government Silence Fuels Anxiety
Despite numerous appeals the Kenyan government has remained tight-lipped, offering little detail on the circumstances of his disappearance. No formal press briefing, investigation report or confirmation of search efforts has been shared through the family.
“We want closure. We deserve answers. We sent our son to serve peace abroad, not to vanish without a word,” said Margaret Kuria, Benedict’s mother, during a press conference in Nairobi.
Family Turns to Court Over Government Silence
In a desperate attempt for answers, the Kuria family has filed a petition in the High Court of Kenya demanding full disclosure from the Ministry of Interior, the National Police Service, and Foreign Affairs officials involved in the deployment.
Their legal team argues the government’s silence violates the family’s right to information in the Constitution.
Kenya’s Role in the Haiti Peace Mission: At What Cost?
Kenya’s leadership of the Haiti peacekeeping coalition was hailed as a landmark African-led intervention. However as the first casualty or disappearance potentially unfolds scrutiny over deployment safety protocols and peacekeeper welfare is intensifying.
“The mission was noble, but this case exposes a critical gap in contingency planning and crisis communication,” says security analyst Dr. Esther Mwakio of the African Centre for Strategic Peace.
Missing But Not Forgotten: Ongoing Search and Hope
Kenyan and Haitian officials claim joint search efforts are ongoing however lack of transparency and delayed updates suggest otherwise. The family has taken to social media under the hashtag #FindOfficerKuria, sparking a digital movement that has garnered regional attention.
A Change.org petition demanding an independent investigation has already amassed over 45,000 signatures internationally.
What We Know So Far: Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Status |
| Officer Name | Benedict Kabiru Kuria |
| Age | 38 |
| Mission | UN-backed Kenya-led Haiti peace mission |
| Last Seen | April 2025, Delmas District, Haiti |
| Family Legal Action | High Court Petition Filed June 2025 |
| Gov’t Response | Minimal / No official update |
| Hashtag | #FindOfficerKuria |
| Petition Signatures | 45,000+ (as of July 6, 2025) |
Reactions From Around the World
- UN Secretary-General: Expressed “concern” and called for “urgent transparency and cooperation between security stakeholders.”
- Haitian Human Rights Watch: Warned that worldwide peacekeepers face unprecedented security risks.
- Kenyan Public: Growing demand for an independent inquiry into Kenya’s preparedness and handling of overseas deployments.
FAQs About the Missing Officer in Haiti
Why was Kenya leading a mission in Haiti?
Kenya volunteered to lead the UN-authorized security mission after months of international appeals for stabilizing Haiti’s gang-ridden capital.
Are other Kenyan officers at risk?
Yes. Multiple security reports indicate rising threats though no other disappearance has been reported yet.
What’s the Kenyan government’s official stance?
Officials claim they are “investigating,” however have not provided concrete updates to the public or media.
Final Word: Closure Is Not a Luxury — It’s a Right
As Kenya cements its role on the international peacekeeping stage it must not overlook the duty of care to its own officers. The case of Benedict Kabiru Kuria is a sobering reminder that behind every deployment is a family waiting for their loved one to return or at the very least be accounted for.
“We’re not looking for blame. We just want the truth.”