A contingent of Kenyan police officers is on a difficult mission in Haiti to counter the influence of strong criminal gangs that have brought unrest and bloodshed to the Caribbean country.
At a ceremony on Monday, Kenyan President William Ruto wished 400 police officers, the first of 1,000 policemen Kenya plans to deploy, success when they arrive in Haiti later this week as part of a United Nations programme.
After months of discussion on how to handle the escalating violence in Haiti—where gangs have increased their power, taken over vast areas of the country, and brought violence and instability into civilians’ lives—Ruto and the US have praised the initiative.
A spokesman for the US Department of State, Matthew Miller, told reporters on Monday that “we hope to see further measurable improvements in security, particularly with respect to access to humanitarian aid and core economic activity.”
The majority of the cops boarded the aircraft furious after getting Sh 20,000, despite the president’s pledge to give them Sh 100,000 each.
The authorities reportedly took Sh 80,000 out of the Sh 100,000 commitment; if the trip to Haiti is successful, they will refund as stated by Police officer who wanted to remain anonymous.
During the 400 Policemen sendoff, President Ruto said, “Kenya has strong credentials in global peacemaking and conflict resolution. The men, women, and children who have been victims of gang violence will find respite from their ordeal when our police officers arrive in Haiti. We are committed to collaborating with the global community to establish enduring stability in Haiti.”
“At the Administration Police Training College, Embakasi, for the pre-deployment briefing of the first Kenyan Police contingent to the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti.”