Kenya on Friday posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal, one of its highest honors for bravery, to three police officers killed while serving in a multinational security mission in Haiti.
President William Ruto presented the medals during ceremonies marking the country’s 62nd Independence Day, known as Jamhuri Day, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The recipients were Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who was fatally shot in a gang ambush in February; Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve, who died in a road accident linked to mission duties in August; and Benedict Kabiru, who went missing after a gang attack in March and was later confirmed dead.
The officers were part of Kenya’s contingent in the U.N.-backed Multinational Security Support Mission aimed at restoring order in Haiti amid widespread gang violence.
“These officers displayed exceptional courage in the line of duty, often in the most dangerous conditions,” Ruto said. “Their sacrifice reminds us that the cost of peace is high, and Kenya will always remember those who serve with distinction.”
Fallen officers remembered
Kaetuai, the first Kenyan fatality in the mission, was killed Feb. 23 during a patrol near Port-au-Prince when his unit was ambushed by suspected gang members. Despite returning fire and repelling the attackers, he succumbed to gunshot wounds.
Nzuve perished in a traffic accident in August while on operational duties. Kabiru disappeared during a March ambush and was officially declared dead in September.
Families of the officers received the medals on their behalf in emotional moments at the ceremony, attended by government officials, military leaders and relatives.
The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry and extraordinary service in hazardous circumstances. The honors were among 881 national awards conferred by Ruto on Jamhuri Day.
Haiti mission context
Kenya led the mission, deploying its first contingent in June 2024. The force, which grew to around 1,000 officers, focused on suppressing gangs, securing infrastructure and training Haitian police.
The initial group returned home Dec. 9-10 after an 18-month tour, participating in the Jamhuri Day parade as returning officers marched to cheers from spectators.
Officials described the deployment as successful, citing reclaimed key areas and improved security, though challenges persisted with funding and equipment shortages.
A new contingent of Kenyan officers deployed recently as the mission continues under a gang suppression mandate.
The awards highlighted Kenya’s longstanding role in international peacekeeping while underscoring the risks, with the three deaths marking the human cost of the Haiti operation.
