The first group of Kenyan police officers landed in Haiti’s capital on Tuesday, initiating a peacekeeping mission in the gang-ravaged Caribbean nation. This deployment comes amid doubts sparked by deadly protests in Kenya.
Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille welcomed the multinational force, stating, “The state will regain power and reaffirm its authority so all Haitians can live peacefully in this country.” The mission, requested by Haiti’s previous government in 2022, aims to combat escalating gang violence that has displaced over half a million people and left nearly five million facing severe food insecurity.
Kenyan Foreign Minister Monica Juma assured, “Kenya’s sole purpose is to serve as agents of peace.” The police will prioritize protecting civilians, facilitating movement, and safeguarding state institutions. Despite delays due to the mission’s non-UN status, plans are underway to deploy more Kenyan officers.
However, as Kenyan police arrived in Haiti, they were met with violence back home. Kenyan police opened fire on anti-tax hike protesters in Nairobi, killing at least five and wounding dozens. This has raised questions about Kenya’s capacity to lead the Haiti mission.
Aid groups have expressed concerns about the potential for forceful responses from Haitian gangs and the safety of children, including those recruited into gangs. They called for transparency regarding the mission’s training, operational plans, and accountability mechanisms.
The Kenyan police will be joined by officers from approximately 15 other nations, forming a 2,500-strong peacekeeping mission primarily funded by the United States. US President Joe Biden hailed the Kenyan police’s arrival as a turning point for Haiti.
Despite security challenges at home, Kenyan President William Ruto described the mission as “one of the most urgent, important, and historic in the history of global solidarity.” Kenyan Foreign Minister Juma viewed the mission as the beginning of a strong relationship between two nations linked by a history of forced removals and slavery.
