The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the government’s intention to send 600 extra police personnel to Haiti on a peacekeeping mission.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei told the press on Friday that the deployment had not yet been completed owing to ongoing logistical arrangements.
The PS also reported that deliberations about the deployment were still ongoing in the United Nations Security Council in the United States, necessitating the need for further time.
Speaking to journalists alongside other important government officials, Korir denied that the Kenyan government would pay for the mission, claiming that international partners would do so.
According to the PS, the cash provided for the operation was sufficient to cover the salary of police officers in Haiti for the following five months, until March 2025.
“This mission is being underwritten by the UN voluntary fund that was established under resolution 2699. That trust fund has been able to mobilise more than $90 million,” PS Korir stated.
“That fund as we have indicated is sufficient to be able to keep our deployment until March and April of next year. Discussions are going on today at the UN Security Council where a resolution is being presented,” the PS added.
Korir’s declaration comes a fortnight after rumors surfaced that some Kenyan personnel in Haiti had submitted resignation letters due to salary delays.
According to Reuters, some 20 police officers had already filed their resignation letters due to many unsolved concerns, which the outlet claimed hampered the mission.
In a recent press briefing, Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission commander Godfrey Otunge denied the charges. Otunge added that the officers were completely committed to putting an end to gang violence on the Caribbean island.
“We urge all stakeholders, including local and international media, to seek clarification directly from the MSS before publishing any reports,” Otunge said during the press conference.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, December 13, he also rejected claims of misunderstandings between Kenyan peacekeepers and the Haitian National Police (HNP).
He stressed the positive and fruitful link between the two forces.
He also emphasized the mission’s continued support for the Haitian people in combatting gang violence and creating a safe environment ahead of the elections.
