Police officers returning from Haiti to be honoured at Jamhuri Day parade

The first group of officers returning from the Haiti security mission will be honoured during Jamhuri Day celebrations, marking the end of their 18-month assignment in the troubled Caribbean nation.

Inspector General Douglas Kanja on Wednesday said the officers would join the ceremonial march at Uhuru Gardens as part of a public tribute to their service abroad.

The team arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday after completing their duties under the Multinational Security Support Mission, now known as the Gang Suppression Force.

Their successors landed on Sunday and have already assumed full responsibility for ongoing operations in Haiti.

Kanja said including the officers in the national parade would allow Kenyans to recognise the work they carried out in difficult circumstances.

“We want the people of Kenya to take note that you have gone to Haiti and you are back. You have been away for 18 months, and you are now back,” he said.

IG Kanja added that the parade would highlight their readiness to resume local duties.

“You will join that parade so that we tell Kenyans that these are our officers who have done the job there and are now back, sound, strong and ready to serve our motherland,” he stated.

Ahead of their participation in the ceremony, the officers were expected at Embakasi A Campus for a comprehensive debrief and a formal welcome by the National Police Service.

The reception for the 230 returnees drew senior officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and National Security Advisor Monica Juma.

Kanja commended the team for maintaining standards of discipline and respect for human rights despite operating in a volatile environment. He said their work offered stability to communities affected by gang violence.

“I am happy that you ensured the rights of those people were maintained,” he said.

The officers will proceed on leave after the national celebrations, reuniting with their families following the extended deployment. Their arrival was met with celebrations, with security officials praising their dedication and resilience.

National Security Advisor Monica Juma thanked the officers for their conduct, saying their cooperation with other Kenyan agencies strengthened the mission’s impact.

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“We are delighted. I want to sincerely thank all of you for your contribution to the Republic in restoring peace and order, together with the Kenya Defence Force, the National Intelligence Service, and the National Police Service. This partnership is a true testament that when we work together as a team, we can achieve great results,” she said.

Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat also noted the officers’ performance. “You have made us proud as a country and a service. You have served diligently in Haiti,” he said.

Senior Superintendent Clappeton Imbiru, who held a leadership role during the mission, described Haiti as a country facing severe instability. He said gangs controlled many areas, and civilians lived under constant threat.

“We found a country that was almost collapsing, with a government nearly overrun by gangs. Roads were barricaded, and civilians were extorted,” he said.

According to Imbiru, the Kenyan officers ensured the protection of key facilities such as the airport and the police academy, enabling training operations to continue.

“The mission was accomplished because we pushed security forward in Haiti, and our presence was greatly appreciated by the local population,” he said.

He urged Kenyans to value the security they enjoy, saying, “Peace has no price. Small crimes can grow into large problems if ignored, as we saw in Haiti. Kenyans should not take their safety for granted.”

Kenya has maintained its commitment to supporting security reforms in Haiti, with another group of 230 officers deployed on Monday under the expanded Gang Suppression Force mandate. GSF Force Commander Godfrey Otunge said the reinforcement reflected Kenya’s resolve.

“Kenya stands with Haiti, for as long as it takes, until peace prevails,” he said.

Haitian authorities welcomed the new team, saying more support was needed to secure supply routes, protect communities and maintain humanitarian access. The United Nations has recorded more than 3,100 deaths in Haiti in the first six months of the year.