April 3, 2025 – Thousands of Haitians took to the streets on Wednesday, protesting the rising gang violence in the country, which has been escalating in recent weeks. The protests came just days after the tragic killing of a Kenyan police officer in Haiti during a clash with gangs.
Demonstrators in Port-au-Prince, the capital, were seen waving palm leaves and carrying machetes as they marched through the city. Many businesses, schools, and banks were shut down as the protests intensified. The angry crowd blocked major roads and set tires on fire, chanting, “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go, and get them out!”
“We are tired of the violence. Gangs control everything. It’s time for the government to act,” said Marie Joseph, a protestor. “The death of the Kenyan officer is the last straw. We can’t continue like this.”
The Kenyan officer, who was killed on March 25, 2025, was part of the Kenyan police force deployed in Haiti to help restore security. He was shot during an operation in the Lower Artibonite region, about 92 kilometers north of Port-au-Prince. His death has added to the growing tension between security forces and the gangs.
The protests also come after reports that two other Kenyan officers were injured last week during clashes with the gangs. One officer was shot in the head, and another was struck in the ear by gunfire during a routine patrol in Port-au-Prince.
“We are facing a serious challenge. Gangs control 85 percent of the capital, and we simply don’t have enough officers to fight back,” said Jack Ombaka, a spokesperson for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission.
The protests reflect the increasing frustration among Haitians, who are demanding immediate action to end the violence and restore peace.
By Nairobi