"We'll show up in Haiti the same way we've done in other countries," Ruto declares

President William Ruto has once again reaffirmed Kenya's commitment towards helping Haiti out of political and socioeconomic turmoil ahead of the deployment of a multinational security mission.

Defending the Haiti troop deployment which will be headed by Kenya, Ruto said "Kenya has been in 47 other countries supporting peace, and Haiti is not going to be an exception."

Responding to questions about the legality of the troop deployment, President Ruto stated that all necessary legal and international protocols had been adhered to.

"The deployment of our security officers to Haiti has been endorsed by the Cabinet. Both houses of parliament have ratified it. We have met all international requirements, and in fact, we have complied with the very court order you're referring to," he said during an exclusive interview with the Voice of America. 

He emphasized Kenya's role in supporting global peace efforts, noting, "We believe that the responsibility in Haiti belongs to all countries and all people who believe in self-determination, democracy, the rule of law, and peace. We will show up in Haiti the same way we have done in other countries. Kenya has been in 47 other countries supporting peace, and Haiti is not going to be an exception."

He detailed the steps taken, including the signing of an agreement between Kenya and Haiti witnessed by former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the subsequent ratification by the Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti.

President William Ruto with former Prime Minister of Haiti Ariel Henry at State House, Nairobi, on February 29, 2024 (Photo: PCS)

"I have it in writing that they confirm that the current administration recognizes that agreement. So, we are very clear, and I am very clear in my mind that Kenya has satisfied all legal, constitutional, and international obligations to facilitate the deployment of this police contingent," Ruto stated.

A small Kenyan delegation, comprising officials including the force commander of the enforcement mission led by Kenya, landed in Haiti last week to conduct an assessment of the base and airport construction in the Caribbean nation.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow who formed part of the delegation that visited Port au Prince last year for planning and reconnaissance will serve as the Force Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission and has already arrived in the gang violence-hit Caribbean country.

Noor Gabow and his team of 200 officers are set to lay the ground for the deployment of the remaining Kenyan officers who are set to be deployed in batches.

The Deputy IG of Police will be expected to guide the mission to achieve its mandate and immediate role of helping establish a functional police service that enforces the rule of law in the Caribbean nation.

Haiti's transition council on Tuesday picked former Prime Minister Garry Conille, who briefly led the country over a decade ago, to return to the role as the Caribbean nation works to restore stability and take back control from violent gangs.

The transition council voted 6-1 to install Conille as interim prime minister, a member told Reuters.

Conille's extensive resume in development, working largely with the United Nations, is considered key to shoring up international support as Haiti prepares to launch the security mission.

The transition council, which holds some presidential powers, and its head, Edgard Leblanc, acting as a de-facto president, are now tasked with holding elections before February 7, 2026, as laid out in Haiti's constitution.

Additional reporting by Mary Wambui