Kenya Issues Crucial Update On The Haiti Mission As 217 Officers Land in Port-Au-Prince

Kenya Issues Crucial Update On The Haiti Mission As 217 Officers Land in Port-Au-Prince

The government, through the Ministry of Interior, provided an update on the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSS).

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday, January 19, 2025, that the expedition had achieved significant progress in achieving its mandate.

Murkomen stated shortly after 217 Rapid Deployment Unit officers and a special team consisting of medical professionals, mechanics, and a communications unit arrived in the Caribbean country to support their colleagues.

The crew joined the first group of 400 cops, who landed in Haiti in June 2024.

ARRIVAL OF THE THIRD CONTINGENT OF KENYAN POLICE OFFICERS TO THE HAITI MISSION pic.twitter.com/FU6GpWz6WB
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) January 19, 2025

“The deployment of NPS Officers follows the UNSC Resolution 2699, 2023, which authorized a Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti with Kenya as the lead country to support the efforts of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to re-establish security and stability in the Caribbean nation,” Murkomen stated.

Kenyan-Led Haiti Mission Accomplishments

Murkomen noted that the MSS and HNP teams had jointly increased efforts to achieve a reduction in crime, violence and promote a more secure environment.

Global Mission: Arrival of Kenya's additional contingent of police officers in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. pic.twitter.com/JlLA5OyxOZ
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) January 19, 2025

“The reopening of schools and colleges on the 2nd October 2024 and the subsequent reopening of courts on the 7th October 2024 is a testament to the improved security conditions, despite the ongoing threat by gangs,” Murkomen stated.

“Civilian protection focus has ensured increased seizure of harmful exposure like drug, arms, and ammunition by the police and are an indication of efforts to cut off the major funding sources for gangs.”

According to the government, MSS, in collaboration with HNP, has held community engagement forums to educate residents on responsible and lawful behavior.

They claim that this will develop a more cooperative relationship between security agencies and the civilian population.

“MSS, in conjunction with HNP, has prioritized the protection of children and educational institutions. Sensitization and outreach programs to discourage gang affiliation have been consistently carried out, ensuring children’s safety and promoting educational continuity,” he added.

According to Murkomen, MSS is also assisting with the establishment of a police academy with a four-month fast-truck basic training program for 747 cadets, which began on August 27, 2024 and graduated successfully on January 10, 2025.

Murkomen claims that significant gangs such as the Delmas 6 Gang, commanded by Jimmy Cherizier, Kraze Barye, led by Vitel Homme Innocent, and Gran Griff, led by Elan Luckson, have been destabilised.

“It is a sobering perspective that Peace Keeping calls on our collective empathy for fellow human beings and it is our prayer that as a continent we will discover a system in which peace is more rewarding than war,” he added.

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“When we are talking about human dignity, that should be without borders.”

“We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our officers and their families for the sacrifices they have made for humanity and peace,” continued Murkomen.

“We are confident that the National Police Service track record of excellence in international policing, contribution to peace support operations will only get better.”

Murkomen said the government is ready to send extra officers from several units within the service, including GSU, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the all-female Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).

Kenya Issues Crucial Update On The Haiti Mission As 217 Officers Land in Port-Au-Prince