Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo on Wednesday publicly reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting its officers deployed in Haiti.
Speaking at Citizen TV, the PS said that the government should support its police who are currently part of a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in the Caribbean state of Haiti.
He further dismissed speculation that the United States may withdraw from supporting the MSS mission stating that the government is well prepared to support its troops. “I think as a country, we have basically made an assessment and are ready for whatever scenario that plays out,” he stated.
Omollo said that the United Nations (UN) runs a kitty and all the contributions outside the US go into that kitty for sustenance of the mission.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo speaks to the press during the inspection of Moi Stadium in Embu County on February 21, 2023.
Ministry of Interior
“At the end of the day we have a responsibility to our officers to ensure that their sustainability in Haiti is fully supported,” he added.
“If for whatever reason the UN which actually requested Kenya to participate in this mission feels that the time to leave has come to an end we will do as expected.”
Earlier reports surfaced indicating that nearly 20 Kenyan police officers had resigned from their posts due to unpaid wages and poor working conditions. However, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, asserted that all officers in the Haiti mission had been compensated up to the end of October.
Omollo emphasised that the Kenyan government is committed to ensuring that its officers are well-equipped and supported during their deployment. This includes logistical support, training, and resources necessary for effective operations on the ground.
The Principal Secretary also highlighted that this support is not only crucial for the safety of the officers but also essential for achieving the mission’s objectives in Haiti
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the role of international forces in stabilizing Haiti, which has been facing significant challenges due to political instability, gang violence, and humanitarian crises.
Kenya has been involved in peacekeeping efforts globally and has recently taken a more active role in addressing the situation in Haiti.
The country agreed to send police officers as part of a multinational force aimed at restoring order and providing security assistance to the Haitian National Police. Further, the government has pledged to send an additional 600 troops to beef up the mission.
Initially envisioned as a 2,500-strong force, the MSS mission has struggled with limited resources and personnel. Currently, only about 430 officers, mostly from Kenya, alongside contributions from the Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica.
President William Ruto interacting with Kenya Police officers in Haiti, September 2024.
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PCS
