Kenya Sends 200 Additional Police Officers to Haiti

In a significant move to address the escalating gang violence in Haiti, Kenya has deployed over 200 police officers to the Caribbean nation as part of a United Nations-backed anti-gang mission.

The deployment, which took place on Saturday, will bolster the existing contingent of approximately 400 officers already stationed in Haiti, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to supporting the beleaguered nation.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the deployment of 217 police officers, emphasizing Kenya’s resolve to provide critical support to Haiti’s security mission. “Our commitment to this historic mission is unwavering, and we will continue to mobilize all the necessary international support for it to succeed,” he stated in a social media post.

Haitian President Fritz Alphonse Jean expressed gratitude for Kenya’s assistance, acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by rampant gang violence, which has displaced over a million people.

“We want to welcome our brothers from Kenya. The (other) Kenyan troops are fighting hard, and in challenging times, we need friends like you,” he asserted.

Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, encouraged the newly deployed officers to stay vigilant and contribute to the restoration of peace in Haiti. He recognized the successes achieved by the previous contingent in combating gang activities.

Despite Kenya’s ambitious commitment to send a total of 1,000 personnel, recent reports indicated that several officers from the initial deployment had submitted resignations, citing concerns over delayed pay and substandard conditions.

However, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission stated that all personnel had received their salaries, refuting claims of resignations.

Other nations, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Belize, have also contributed to the anti-gang efforts, underscoring a collective international response to the crisis in Haiti.