The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the government’s intention to deploy 600 more police officers to Haiti for a peacekeeping mission.
Addressing the press on Friday, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei announced that the deployment had not yet been made due to ongoing logistical arrangements.
The PS further revealed that discussions regarding the deployment were still underway at the United Nations Security Council in the United States, hence the need for additional time.
Speaking to journalists in the company of other key government officials, Korir dismissed allegations that the Kenyan government would fund the mission, stating that international partners would finance the operation.
Kenyan police officer during an operation in Haiti on July 17, 2024.
Photo
AP
According to the PS, the amount allocated for the mission was able to cater for the salaries of police officers in Haiti for the next five months up to 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 up to $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 announcement comes a fortnight after allegations that some Kenyan officers in Haiti had tendered their resignation letters over claims of salary delays.
According to Reuters, about 20 police officers had already submitted their resignation letters over several unresolved issues that the publication claimed had hindered the mission.
In a recent press conference, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission commander, Godfrey Otunge, dismissed the allegations. Otunge stated that the officers were fully committed to ending gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
“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, 13 December, he also denied allegations of misunderstandings between the Kenyan peacekeepers and the Haitian National Police (HNP).
He emphasised the harmonious and productive relationship between the two forces, reiterating the mission’s unwavering support for the Haitian people in combating gang violence and fostering a safe environment ahead of the elections.
Commander of the Kenya Police in Haiti and Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police, Godfrey Otunge on June 26, 2024
Photo
Clarens Siffroy