MSS refutes reports of Kenyan officers quitting Haiti mission over delayed allowances
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge stated that the news outlet behind the claim failed to seek clarification from the mission, labelling the information as both inaccurate and malicious.
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) has refuted reports suggesting that some officers in Kenya's contingent in Haiti are considering resigning due to delayed allowances.
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge stated that the news outlet behind the claim failed to seek clarification from the mission, labelling the information as both inaccurate and malicious.
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"All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged," Otunge said in a statement.
He noted that the MSS officers remain highly motivated and committed to supporting the Haitian National Police in their efforts to dismantle gang networks and restore stability in Haiti.
Otunge further urged stakeholders, including local and international media, to reach out to the MSS for clarification before publishing reports.
"We urge all stakeholders to seek clarification directly from the MSS before publishing any reports. Our doors remain open for transparent communication," he said.
The MSS Commander affirmed that the mission is focused on helping Haiti regain peace and security.
Haitian National Police SWAT unit and Kenyan Police during a patrol in Port-au-Prince, Haiti June 28, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo)
"The MSS remains resolute in its mission to help Haiti reclaim its glory and restore peace and security for its people," Otunge added.
The allegations surfaced after a foreign news agency reported that nearly 20 Kenyan police officers in Haiti had submitted resignation letters over delayed salaries and unfavourable working conditions.
According to the report, these officers had not received any response from the government regarding their resignations.
In response, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja dismissed the claims on November 5, 2024, assuring the public that the Kenyan officers had been fully paid.
He noted that the situation in Haiti had greatly improved due to the government's efforts to address the challenges facing the contingent.
"The officers on the ground are doing quite well," Kanja said.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo also weighed in, clarifying that the United Nations is responsible for paying the officers, not the Kenyan government.
"The Kenyan team is part of the United Nations multi-support team in Haiti and its term of engagement is well defined on who is paying for that support, and it is the United Nations," Omollo explained.
