The search for Kenyan police officer Benedict Kabiru, who went missing in Haiti, is still ongoing, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has confirmed.
Kabiru was part of a police contingent ambushed by a gang while on a rescue mission in the troubled Caribbean nation.
Family’s Frustration Grows
His family and friends have expressed frustration over the lack of clear updates from authorities, six days after his disappearance.
On Sunday, relatives and neighbors gathered for a prayer service at his family home in Thamanda, Kikuyu, Kiambu County, seeking divine intervention for his safe return.
Tears flowed as his mother, Jecinta Wanjiku, pleaded for more transparency from officials.
“I keep wondering what is happening where he is. Have they remained silent like us, or is the search ongoing? My plea is for authorities to update us. How far have they reached in the search?” she questioned.
Daniel Kabiru, a relative, echoed the concerns, saying the family has been seeking information but only receives assurances with no tangible updates.
“Since Wednesday, we have been in touch with the sub-county commander, but all we are told is to wait. Every time we visit the office, we hear the search is ongoing, but we get no detailed updates,” he told Citizen TV.
Emotional Toll on Family
The uncertainty has deeply affected Kabiru’s family, especially his young son.
“I have been asking my brother and sister to take me to the authorities for updates. When I return home, my grandson asks, ‘Shosho, I am supposed to go to university. What if my father is dead?’ I assure him that he will study and succeed,” Wanjiku shared.
His brother, Philip Kamau, described the emotional toll on their mother.
“She is struggling—sometimes she lacks energy, she barely eats, and she cannot sleep. It is exhausting for us. Why is the government not telling us the truth?” he asked.
Community Calls for Transparency
Local leaders, including Community Policing Chairman Peter Kibiru, have raised concerns about the lack of communication.
“The community has many questions. They keep asking for updates, but we have no answers,” Kibiru stated.
During an Eid celebration in Eastleigh on Sunday, IG Kanja reassured that efforts to locate Kabiru were ongoing.
“We are committed to finding officer Kabiru, and updates will be provided once we have concrete information,” he stated.
While Kanja commended the Kenyan security forces deployed in Haiti for their role in stabilizing the country, he did not confirm whether Kabiru was alive or dead.
Since his disappearance on March 25, conflicting reports have emerged. Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council recently claimed a security officer had died during the ambush, but Kenyan authorities have yet to officially confirm this.
Despite the uncertainty, Kabiru’s family remains hopeful, anxiously waiting for news about his fate.
