As more police officers are deployed to Haiti, Kenyans put government in a spot over insecurity at home
Kenyans have demanded urgent action from the government to restore order and prioritise local security over international missions.
Kenyans have called out the government for its decision to deploy more police officers to Haiti, even as insecurity in the country rises, especially with the recent spate of unexplained abductions.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday saw off 217 additional officers to Haiti, who will reinforce the initial deployment of 400 officers sent last year. Murkomen defended the mission, highlighting its achievements in reducing gang violence and earning international acclaim.
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“Our commitment to this historic mission is unwavering, and we will continue to mobilise all the necessary international support for it to succeed,” Murkomen said in a statement on Saturday.
However, Murkomen's remarks failed to quell criticism from Kenyans online. Many, including political leaders, questioned the government’s priorities, accusing it of neglecting domestic security challenges.
The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa criticised President William Ruto, describing the move as ironic, given the ongoing threats posed by criminal gangs locally.
In a statement on his X account on Sunday, Wamalwa noted that sending officers over 12,000 kilometres away to address gang violence in the Caribbean nation of Haiti was inappropriate while Kenyans continued to face terror from groups like the Mungiki gang and hooded abductors.
“It’s a matter of supreme irony that President [William Ruto] can send more officers to fight gangs and abductors in Haiti over 12,000kms away and allow Mungiki gangs and hooded Subaru abductors to continue terrorising Kenyan citizens back home,” Wamalwa wrote.
Prayer meeting disrupted
The DAP-K leader referenced the Saturday incident where former Mungiki gang leader Maina Njenga and his followers disrupted a prayer event in Nyeri led by Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the wife of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
The disruption occurred at Kamukunji Grounds in Nyeri town on January 18, 2025, where an interdenominational prayer meeting was being held. The event, which Gachagua was expected to attend, was interrupted by Njenga and a convoy of his supporters, causing confusion and panic, and prompting Pastor Rigathi to be evacuated to safety.
Wamalwa condemned the incident and another attack on Gachagua at a funeral in Limuru, as well as the growing number of daylight abductions.
“These incidents, including abductions in broad daylight targeting both citizens and foreigners, are unacceptable and must stop. If [Ruto] cannot address this madness, he and his regime must resign,” Wamalwa said.
He accused the government of reducing Kenya to a "gangster republic".
Kenyans online also took to X, highlighting their frustrations over the government's decision to send more police officers to Haiti.
Edward Muchoki said: “Ironically, they are sending our officers to deal with the ‘Mungiki’ of Haiti.”
Another critic, PWgitahi, expressed his frustration, writing: “Abductions and killings are rampant, yet instead of police protecting citizens, they are taken to Haiti to earn foreign exchange.”
According to Dancan Onyango, “Misplaced priorities is the name of the game. Kenyans’ lives don’t matter; those of Haiti people do.”
Kenyans have demanded urgent action from the government to restore order and prioritise local security over international missions.
This comes even as the country continues to be plagued by abductions and enforced disappearances, with police officers coming under scrutiny for their alleged involvement.
Human rights organisations report that at least 82 Kenyans have gone missing since the onset of the Gen Z protests in June 2024.
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