President William Ruto has expressed gratitude for the continued support of Kenya’s mission in Haiti by the United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration. Speaking at the Global Cathedral in Nairobi, Ruto emphasized the enduring friendship between Kenya and the U.S., which he described as “a blessing to our nation.”
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, spearheaded by Kenya, aims to assist the Haitian National Police in restoring peace, law, and order amidst escalating violence and gang activities. The mission was initiated following a request from the U.S., with former President Joe Biden urging Kenya to take the lead due to its renowned expertise in security diplomacy.
“I am proud that even President Trump supports Kenya’s mission in Haiti to help the men, women, and children of that nation,” Ruto said, addressing concerns about the potential impact of America’s administration change on Kenya’s programs. The MSS mission, authorized by the United Nations Security Council, now has over 600 Kenyan police officers stationed in Haiti.
Last week, the third contingent of 217 Kenyan officers arrived safely in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital. They were welcomed by Haitian authorities and escorted by senior Kenyan officials, including Joseph Boinnet, Deputy National Security Advisor and former Inspector General of the National Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, and Ranson Lolmodoni, Commandant of the General Service Unit.
The National Police Service of Kenya has confirmed that additional deployments will occur on June 26 and February, ensuring Kenya’s strong leadership in the international policing effort. “The National Police Service takes this opportunity to wish the MSS success in their international policing duty,” the service said in a statement.
The MSS operation comprises personnel from Kenya, Jamaica, and military officers from the Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador. With Kenya at the helm, the mission underscores the country’s commitment to global peacekeeping and security.
Ruto’s remarks come amid speculation about whether the U.S. would maintain funding for the mission under the Trump administration. However, his statement reassures Kenyans that the bilateral bond between Kenya and the U.S. remains robust.
“The United States is a blessing to our nation, and we work together in many aspects,” Ruto concluded, emphasizing that Kenya’s partnership with the U.S. continues to thrive in addressing global challenges.
