Kenyan Officer Benedict Kabiru Confirmed Dead in Haiti: Ruto Speaks at UNGA 2025

President William Ruto has verified the death of a Kenyan police officer named Benedict Kabiru, who disappeared in Haiti six months earlier, putting an end to months of speculation and government denials as to his fate.

It was announced on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, when Ruto was giving a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge that Kenyan officers Mr. Samuel Tuoi, Benedict Kabiru, and Kennedy Nzuve made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. — President William Ruto, UNGA 2025.

In March 2025, Kabiru vanished when Kenyan security officers who were on a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission were ambushed by gangs. He was confirmed dead together with two other victims (Samuel Tompei Kaetuai, who was killed in February, and Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve, who was killed in an armored vehicle crash in September).

Photo of President William Ruto at UNGA 2025 alongside a collage of Benedict Kabiru, the Kenyan police officer who went missing in Haiti and has been confirmed dead.

Family Accuses Government of Silence and Mistruths

The revelation has devastated Kabiru’s family, who say they were misled for months by government officials, including the Inspector General, who repeatedly insisted that Kabiru was alive.

Jacinta Kabiru, the officer’s mother, expressed her anguish:

“Why are they torturing me? Why have they kept quiet all this time, knowing the truth? I urge them to bring back the remains of my son so that I can give him a proper farewell. I can’t believe it until I see him.”

His brother, Philip Kabiru, also faulted the state:

“We trusted you with our son, Benedict. Is this how you repay us? You are not feeling the pain we are feeling.”

The family has since filed legal proceedings against the government, accusing it of withholding crucial information about Kabiru’s fate. His uncle added:

“We believe there is something they are hiding. That is our conviction. There is a truth they are not telling us.”

Death Toll of Kenyan Officers in Haiti

So far, three Kenyan police officers have died in Haiti since the deployment began:

• Samuel Tompei Kaetuai – killed in February 2025.

• Benedict Kabiru – ambushed in March 2025.

• Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve – died in an armored vehicle crash in September 2025.

The officers were part of the MSS mission, tasked with stabilizing Haiti amid widespread gang violence and political instability.

Ruto’s Address to the UN

In his UNGA speech, President Ruto acknowledged the heavy price Kenya has paid but insisted that the mission has yielded progress. He noted that:

• Gangs have been pushed back.

• Schools and hospitals have reopened.

• Police training has resumed.

• Key infrastructure, including the airport, port, and police headquarters, has been secured.

However, Ruto admitted that the MSS is operating at only 40% of its intended capacity—with fewer than 2,500 personnel deployed. He urged the UN Security Council and global partners to provide a clear mandate, sufficient funding, logistics, and personnel to sustain gains and prevent backsliding.

“Unless these gaps are addressed, earlier achievements could be reversed,” Ruto warned.

What Lies Ahead

The tragedy has reignited debate in Kenya over the deployment of police officers to Haiti, with families of fallen officers demanding accountability, transparency, and repatriation of remains.

For the Kabiru family, closure will only come when Benedict is brought home.

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