Family Sues Kenyan Government Over Missing Police Officer in Haiti

The Kenyan government is facing increasing scrutiny and legal pressure over the disappearance of police officer Benedict Kabiru in Haiti, sparking a High Court petition filed by his family. 

Kabiru, a member of the Kenyan contingent of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, has been missing since 26 March, following a violent confrontation amid escalating gang violence in the Caribbean nation. The family's petition, lodged in Nairobi, names key government figures as respondents, including Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. 

The suit accuses these officials of withholding vital information, causing the family mental and psychological torture due to the prolonged uncertainty surrounding Kabiru's fate. Jacinta Wanjiku, Kabiru's mother, alongside his brother Philip Kamau and uncle Daniel Ndung'u, are seeking a court order to compel the government to clarify Kabiru's status, disclose his whereabouts, or, if deceased, provide the location of his remains. 

The family also seeks compensation for the emotional distress endured and legal costs covered by the state. The legal action follows a period of conflicting reports and perceived official silence since Kabiru's disappearance. Deployed to Haiti on 15 July of the previous year, Kabiru maintained regular contact with his family until early March. 

According to court documents, he reportedly expressed no concerns about his safety or wellbeing at that time. Communication ceased after unverified social media reports surfaced, alleging Kabiru had been captured following an ambush on his armoured vehicle. Despite numerous attempts to seek clarification from senior figures within the National Police Service, the family claims they have received no definitive answers.

Their petition highlights a specific encounter with Ranson Lolmodoni, the Director of Operations at police headquarters, who reportedly dismissed rumours of Kabiru's death as "fake news" but has since become unresponsive to further inquiries. The family's lawyer states that subsequent attempts to uncover the truth about Kabiru's status have been unsuccessful, with respondents being dismissive and never give a straight answer.

The situation is further complicated by conflicting narratives. The Haitian Transitional Presidential Council has reportedly declared Kabiru dead, whereas the Kenyan government maintains he is missing. Prior to his deployment to the Haiti mission, Kabiru served in border-sensitive regions, including Mandera, Marsabit, and Boni Forest.