Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has strongly defended the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti, labelling recent criticisms as “unfounded, false, and unpatriotic.”
The remarks come after a Daily Nation article raised concerns over the capability and preparedness of Kenyan officers participating in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in the Caribbean nation. The report cited the recent deaths of two officers, injuries sustained by others, and challenges including limited funding and faulty equipment.
In a statement issued on Tuesday through police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, Kanja insisted the officers were thoroughly trained prior to deployment in June 2024. He outlined that the team underwent comprehensive preparation that included firearms training, public order management, international human rights law, peacekeeping principles, and French language instruction.
“This comprehensive preparation fully equipped them for the mission,” Kanja affirmed.
He further emphasised that the National Police Service (NPS) had provided the officers with necessary tactical gear, including bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, tactical vehicles, helicopters, drones, and ammunition, all of which he said met international standards.
Kenya deployed about 800 officers to Haiti as part of the U.N.-backed MSS mission, which also includes personnel from countries such as Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The mission’s goal is to support Haiti’s national police in combating powerful armed gangs that have overrun much of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
While acknowledging the tough conditions on the ground, Kanja lauded the professionalism and resilience of Kenyan officers. “Kenya’s National Police Service continues to demonstrate exceptional capability and professionalism in executing this mission… despite challenges inherent in such security operations,” he noted.
The mission has faced major funding hurdles. Although largely supported by the United States, the operation suffered a setback when the U.S. froze $13.3 million in financial contributions in February, citing administrative concerns. This raised fears about the long-term sustainability of the deployment.
However, the Kenyan government has maintained that the fund remains sufficiently resourced to support operations through at least September.
Kanja’s strong rebuttal underscores Kenya’s commitment to the mission amid growing scrutiny and mounting operational risks on the ground in Haiti.
