The newly arrived Kenyan police team in Haiti held a prayer session on Saturday, January 18, seeking blessings for their mission and pledging professionalism in their efforts.
The 217 officers joined counterparts from Jamaica, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Bahamas, and Belize for an interdenominational service on Sunday. This is part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, led by Kenya and authorized by the United Nations Security Council, to support the Haiti National Police (HNP) in restoring peace amid escalating gang violence.
Kenya now has 600 police officers in Haiti, with an additional 200 set to join before the end of January, according to officials.
Before their departure from Nairobi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen highlighted the mission’s progress, citing reduced crime and improved security. Murkomen praised the reopening of schools, colleges, and courts in October 2024 as evidence of the MSS’s success.
Key accomplishments include increased seizures of drugs, arms, and ammunition, cutting off major gang funding sources. The MSS has also emphasized community engagement, educating citizens on lawful behavior, and protecting children and educational institutions.
The MSS team has supported the HNP in training 747 cadets, who graduated on January 10, 2025. Major gangs such as Delmas 6, Kraze Barye, and Gran Griff have been destabilized, further enhancing security.
Murkomen reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the global peacekeeping mission, pledging more officers, including specialized units like GSU, ASTU, and an all-female SWAT team.
“Peacekeeping demands collective empathy and underscores the value of human dignity beyond borders. Kenya stands with Haiti in its pursuit of peace and security,” he said.
