The family of Kenyan police officer Benedict Kuria, who went missing in March 2025 during a security mission in Haiti after an ambush by suspected gang members, is seeking answers from Kenyan authorities. Despite Haitian media reports of his death, Kenyan police maintain a search is ongoing. The family has filed a court petition in Kenya to compel the government to disclose information, highlighting public concern over Kenya's involvement in the multinational security support mission (MSS) in Haiti.
‘We want closure’: family searches for answers over Kenyan police officer missing in Haiti
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The family of Kenyan police officer Benedict Kuria, who went missing in March 2025 during a security mission in Haiti after an ambush by suspected gang members, is seeking answers from Kenyan authorities. Despite Haitian media reports of his death, Kenyan police maintain a search is ongoing. The family has filed a court petition in Kenya to compel the government to disclose information, highlighting public concern over Kenya's involvement in the multinational security support mission (MSS) in Haiti.
Trending- 1 July 2024: Benedict Kuria joined the MSS in Haiti.
- 2 March 2025: Kuria and colleagues ambushed by suspected gang members.
- 3 March 25, 2025: Team ambushed while assisting recovery of Haitian police vehicle.
- 4 March 26, 2025: MSS stated Kuria was 'unaccounted for'; Kenyan police announced search and rescue; local leaders informed Kuria's family.
- 5 March 27, 2025: Haitian media reported Kuria's death.
- 6 June 2025: Kuria's family filed a court petition in Nairobi.
- 7 September 2025: Nairobi court scheduled a hearing for the petition.
- Anguish and anger for Kuria's family
- Lack of definitive information about Kuria's fate
- Public concern reignited over Kenya's involvement in MSS
- Court petition filed by Kuria's family
- Delay in court hearing
- Increased gang control in Port-au-Prince (90%)
- Risk to Kenyan police reputation
- Family's financial struggles (Kuria's extra pay)
- Suspense and torture for family
What: Kenyan police officer Benedict Kuria went missing in Haiti; his family is seeking answers from Kenyan authorities regarding his whereabouts and fate.
When: March 2025 (ambush), July 2024 (Kuria joined MSS), 25 March (ambush on team), 26 March (MSS said unaccounted for, Kenyan police said search continuing, local leaders informed family), 27 March (Haitian media reported death), June (family filed court petition), September (Nairobi court hearing scheduled).
Where: Haiti (Caribbean country), Port-au-Prince (capital of Haiti), Kenya, Nairobi (capital of Kenya), Kikuyu (town in Kiambu county, Kenya).
Why: Kuria went missing after an ambush by suspected gang members while serving in a US and UN-backed multinational security support mission (MSS) in Haiti, aimed at combating rampant gang violence. The family seeks closure and information due to conflicting reports and lack of official disclosure from Kenyan authorities.
How: Kuria and colleagues were ambushed by suspected gang members. Haitian media reported his death, but Kenyan police say a search is ongoing. His family has filed a court petition and contacted various officials and organizations (attorney-general, inspector general of police, ministers, parliament, UN special representative) to compel the Kenyan government to provide information.