President William Ruto made a surprise stop in Haiti on Saturday, engaging with Kenyan police officers deployed on a peacekeeping mission.
During his visit, Ruto praised the peacekeepers for their efforts in stabilizing the troubled Caribbean nation and shared a light-hearted moment, joking about the notorious Haitian gang leader, Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue.
Ruto recounted a conversation with Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, highlighting that the Kenyan team had successfully dismantled Barbecue’s base, prompting the gang leader to surrender and express a desire to become a preacher.
“I’ve been told that Barbecue wants to give up and preach. That’s how effective you’ve been,” Ruto quipped, eliciting laughter from the officers.
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The President commended the mission's significant progress in restoring peace and order and stressed the vital role of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission.
He called on the international community to bolster support for the mission through personnel, equipment, and logistical resources, which are crucial for achieving lasting stability in Haiti.
Ruto also urged Haitian leaders, civil society, businesses, and youth to use improved security to drive positive change.
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He stressed that the mission aims to create an environment where Haitians can reclaim their nation’s safety and shape their future.
Just a week earlier, Barbecue had described the Kenyan officers as ruthless in a viral TikTok video, detailing how they, alongside the Haitian National Police, stormed his stronghold with tear gas and gunfire.
The President saluted the peacekeepers for securing critical infrastructure and stabilizing areas previously deemed too dangerous, affirming his commitment and that of the international community to restore peace in Haiti.
