Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has strongly defended the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, dismissing recent concerns over their preparedness and mission viability.
The response follows a Daily Nation report in which experts questioned the operation, citing inadequate funding, poor equipment, and the recent deaths of two Kenyan officers.
The article also highlighted the dangers faced by the deployed officers and urged the government to reconsider the mission.
Through a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, Kanja labelled the concerns as “unfounded, false, and unpatriotic.” He emphasized that the deployed officers received comprehensive training covering key areas such as firearms use, crowd control, peacekeeping protocols, humanitarian law, and French language skills — all intended to ensure effective cooperation with Haitian forces in tackling gang violence.
Kanja further stated that the Kenyan contingent is fully equipped with modern tactical gear including armored vehicles, ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, drones, helicopters, and ammunition that meet international operational standards.
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Despite logistical and funding challenges, Kanja reiterated Kenya’s commitment to the mission, applauding the professionalism and dedication of the deployed officers. Kenya has so far sent around 800 police officers as part of a broader MSS initiative involving over 1,000 personnel from countries such as Guatemala, Jamaica, and El Salvador.
The multinational force has faced violent confrontations with Haitian gangs, resulting in casualties, including the injury and evacuation of two Kenyan officers to the Dominican Republic.
Although the mission has faced a setback following the U.S. suspension of $13.3 million in aid in February, the Kenyan government insists the United Nations fund remains adequately resourced to support operations until at least September 2025.
