Kenyan officers, Haiti police deny claims of a breakdown in relations
By Lucy Mumbi |
Although Kenya pledged in October to deploy an additional 600 officers, this commitment remains unfulfilled due to the volatile security situation.
Kenya’s Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission and the Haitian National Police (PNH) have jointly refuted allegations of discord between their forces during the ongoing operations to combat armed gangs in Haiti.
The denial follows social media reports claiming a breakdown in relations and accusations of collusion with gangs.
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In a statement released Monday, both entities reiterated their unified approach, affirming that all operations are jointly planned and executed.
The MSS, operating under the mandate of the United Nations, plays a critical role in supporting the PNH's efforts to curb gang violence across Haiti.
“This misinformation seeks to discredit the commendable work being done by the joint forces to combat criminal gangs,” reads the statement.
It urged the Haitian public to dismiss what it termed “manipulative narratives”.
‘Professional and harmonious’
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge emphasised the collaborative relationship between the MSS and PNH, describing the two teams as "professional and harmonious."
He denied claims that Kenyan officers had accused Haitian counterparts of colluding with gangs.
“Allegations of collusion are baseless and are part of a propaganda campaign aimed at weakening the resolve of the forces. We call upon the local population not to be intoxicated by such misinformation that seeks to benefit criminal gangs," Otunge said.
Otunge further assured Haitians and the international community of the forces’ commitment to restoring peace.
"The PNH and MSS will continue working together to ensure the security of the Haitian people, particularly as we enter decisive operations in the coming days," he said.
Despite the unified front, reports of challenges within the MSS have surfaced.
Resignation claims
Nearly 20 of the 400 Kenyan officers deployed since June 2024 have reportedly submitted resignation letters over delayed payments and poor conditions.
But the reports were dismissed by the MSS as "inaccurate and malicious".
“All officers have been paid their salaries and allowances,” Otunge clarified, denying claims that officers had abandoned their duties.
The mission also faces logistical challenges, including ongoing violence in Port-au-Prince, which has disrupted operations at the city’s main airport.
Although Kenya pledged in October to deploy an additional 600 officers, this commitment remains unfulfilled due to the volatile security situation.
Gang violence in Haiti has escalated over the past two years, claiming thousands of lives and extending into previously safe areas of the capital.
The UN-backed MSS, funded by donor countries through a trust fund, has faced financial constraints due to unfulfilled pledges, complicating its operations.
Since their arrival in June, Kenyan officers have achieved notable successes, reclaiming key facilities such as the airport, port, and main roads.
However, the worsening violence continues to pose significant hurdles for the mission.
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