Godfrey Otunge, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission Commander, has denied reports of disagreements between Kenyan peacekeepers and the Haitian National Police (HPS).
Speaking on Thursday, December 12, at the Jamhuri Day celebrations conducted by Kenyan personnel in the Caribbean island, Otunge denounced the charges as propaganda intended to sabotage the peacekeeping mission.
He stressed the positive and fruitful link between the two forces.
Otunge reaffirmed the mission’s unshakable commitment to the Haitian people in combatting gang violence and creating a safe environment ahead of the elections.
Otunge dedicated Kenya’s 61st Jamhuri Day to the Haitian people, expressing optimism that peace and security would soon reign as the mission entered its second phase of decisive operations.
Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who also attended the ceremony, complimented the Kenyan contingent for their commitment and sacrifice in tackling Haiti’s security issues.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the Haitian people, emphasizing that the country’s current hardships would eventually end.
Alix further denied that the Kenyan officers and their Haitian colleagues were at odds, claiming that the two groups were determined to work together to put a stop to gang violence in Haiti.
He also expressed gratitude for the Kenyan contingent’s presence in Haiti, saying that their efforts to stop gang violence gave him hope for a better future.
Meanwhile, Otunge’s announcement comes only a week after allegations that some of the Kenyan officers in Haiti had given resignation letters due to poor working conditions.
According to Reuters, some 20 police personnel have already submitted formal letters of resignation over a number of unresolved issues, including delayed pay.
However, Otunge denied the charges, stating that the cops were completely dedicated to assisting Haitian police forces in executing anti-gang operations.
“We urge all stakeholders including local and international media to seek clarification directly from the MSS before publishing any reports,” Otunge said in a presser.
