Amid the patriotic fanfare of the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, a solemn silence marked the moment President William Ruto honored three Kenyan police officers who lost their lives on the gang-ravaged streets of Port-au-Prince.

Awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously, these officers represent the steep human cost of Kenya’s 18-month leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), a deployment that has drawn both global praise and domestic scrutiny.

The Cost of Peace

The three officers were part of a contingent sent to stabilize Haiti, a nation that had been gripped by anarchy. Their names were read out as heroes who died far from home to protect the liberties of others.

The fallen officers honored include:

• Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai: Killed in action during a harrowing armed confrontation with gangs in February 2025.
• Benedict Kabiru: Went missing following a gang ambush in March 2025; his death was tragically confirmed in September 2025.
• Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve: Died in a road traffic accident in August 2025 while on duty.

These awards come just days after the National Police Service (NPS) officially welcomed home its first contingent of officers on December 10, marking the conclusion of the deployment.

Echoes from Port-au-Prince

While the mission has been described by the government as a success, the loss of life underscores the volatility of the operation. Government reports indicate that the Kenyan-led team achieved significant milestones before the mission was wound down.

"The contingent made significant gains, including improved security and stability in Haiti, restoration of freedom of movement, and the reopening of key road networks," a government statement noted.

Beyond the physical security, the mission was credited with strengthening the Haitian National Police through rigorous training and joint operations. However, for the families of Kaetuai, Kabiru, and Nzuve, the medals received today serve as a bittersweet reminder of the risks inherent in wearing the uniform.

As the flags wave high in Nairobi today, the legacy of this mission will likely be defined not just by the peace restored in the Caribbean, but by the three empty chairs left behind in Kenyan homes.