US commends Kenya as first police contingent arrives in Haiti

The US State Department has lauded the Kenyan government for fulfilling its commitment to deploy police in Haiti to help restore law and order.

The first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday to launch a long-awaited peacekeeping mission in the Caribbean country.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the arrival of the Multinational Security Support mission, which will support Haitian National Police anti-gang operations, is a vital step to restore security to Haiti.

“We commend Kenya for leading this mission and will continue to provide robust support alongside our partners,” posted Blinken on X

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations said the arrival of Kenya police is a major plus to the mission in Haiti. She disclosed the US is providing $360 million in funding to the mission and stands alongside international partners like Kenya to help deliver safety, security, and stability to all Haitians.

“Proud to see the first contingent of Kenyan-led MSS police forces arrive safely in Haiti, authorized by U.S.-led UN Security Council Resolution 2699,” she said

President William Ruto on Monday flagged off the first 400 group of police officers for the United Nations peace mission in Haiti.

The President expressed confidence that the Kenyan contingent, together with others from contributing countries, will help in returning lasting peace in the conflict-ravaged Haiti.

“This mission is one of the most urgent, important, and historic in the history of global solidarity. It is a mission to affirm the universal values of the community of nations, a mission to take a stand for humanity,” President Ruto said.

Ruto pointed out that Haiti has faced a continuous onslaught by external and internal forces, causing instability, leading to the loss of thousands of lives, extinguishing countless dreams, and depriving millions of basic social services.

“This has subjected millions to harrowing poverty, hardship, and disease,” he said.

“Currently, Haiti is torn apart by vicious gang violence, which has diminished the State’s capacity to function and provide essential services. Development cannot take place under these conditions and, if nothing is done, millions of children, women, and men will continue to suffer without the prospect of relief,” the President added

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