Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Haiti Armored Vehicle Crash
Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve Dies in Collision Along Kenscoff-Pétion-Ville Road
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve, a 41-year-old Kenyan police officer serving with the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, died on August 31, 2025, following a collision involving two armored MaxxPro vehicles. The accident occurred on the Kenscoff-Pétion-Ville road at Pèlerin 9 in Port-au-Prince.
The crash also claimed the life of a civilian and left eight MSS officers injured, three of whom remain in critical condition. According to MSS officials, the incident took place during a towing operation after one vehicle experienced mechanical failure. One vehicle collided with a wall while the other overturned. The injured were transported to Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville, where Corporal Nzuve and the civilian were pronounced dead.
MSS described Corporal Nzuve as “a proud member of Kenya’s 3rd contingent to the MSS,” highlighting his dedication and bravery throughout his deployment. Born on March 8, 1984, in Machakos County, Kenya, Nzuve joined the National Police Service in 2005 and served with the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU). His previous assignments included postings in Narok and Baringo counties before his deployment to Haiti.
On September 1, 2025, personnel from Kenya, the Bahamas, Jamaica, El Salvador, and Guatemala, along with representatives from DMG, Amentum, Aspen, and GardaWorld, held a memorial service at the main dining facility at LSA1 in Port-au-Prince. Following the ceremony, Nzuve’s remains were transported to the Dominican Republic for preservation ahead of repatriation to Kenya.
National Police Service spokesman Muchiri Nyaga confirmed the fatalities and injuries, noting that the next of kin have been informed. He emphasized that arrangements are ongoing to ensure the injured officers receive appropriate medical care and that Nzuve’s body is returned home.
MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka provided further details, stating the crash occurred around 5 p.m. during the towing process. “While one vehicle was towing the other due to mechanical failure, the accident happened, involving civilians as well,” Ombaka said.
This incident marks the third Kenyan officer fatality in Haiti since Kenya’s deployment began in June 2024. Kenya currently leads the UN-backed multinational mission, contributing approximately 800 officers working alongside Haitian police to combat armed gangs controlling large parts of Port-au-Prince.
The accident comes amid increasing calls for enhanced support to the MSS mission. A joint letter from the United States, Canada, Kenya, Jamaica, the Bahamas, El Salvador, and Guatemala warned that the MSS lacks sufficient resources and capacity to address escalating security challenges. During a recent UN Security Council meeting, U.S. Acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea announced plans for a draft resolution to establish a Gang Suppression Force and a UN Support Office aimed at strengthening efforts to stabilize Haiti.
“The next international force must be equipped to hold territory, secure infrastructure, and support the Haitian National Police,” Shea stated. She also emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to disrupt gang financing, arms trafficking, and other illicit activities fueling instability.
Haiti’s security situation has deteriorated since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The transitional council, which assumed power in 2024 following Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation, has committed to holding elections before its mandate ends in February 2026. According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 3,141 people were killed in Haiti during the first half of 2025.
Images circulating online after the crash showed local residents assisting in rescue efforts along the mountainous road, which was temporarily closed, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
MSS extended condolences to Corporal Nzuve’s family, friends, and colleagues, and wished a swift recovery to the injured officers. The mission also expressed gratitude to the Forces Armées d’Haïti (FAd’H), the Haitian National Police (PNH), local residents, and MSS personnel who participated in the rescue operations.
