PORT AU PRINCE, CMC – The second batch of Kenyan law enforcement officials has arrived here as part of the Multinational Mission to Support the National Police of Haiti (PNH) to establish peace and security in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
Kenya is poised to send 1000 police officers to Haiti and the second batch of 200 arrived at the Toussaint Louverture Airport in Port-au-Prince on board the chartered OAE2376 of Omni Air International. The Kenyan police officers from several specialized units disembarked and regrouped on the Tarmac before returning by bus to their base located within the airport perimeter.
They were met on arrival by the Kenyan commander in Haiti, Inspector General Godfrey Otunge , who said “the arrival of this second group is proof of Kenya’s commitment.
“The arrival of the additional contingent is a huge reinforcement to the MSS mission and will go a long way in building the capacity of the Haitian Police to curb the activities of the gangs.
“ The Haiti National Police are already working with the first Kenyan Contingent (KENCON) and we will continue to realize the fruits of our joint efforts that are geared towards enabling Haiti to regain its stability and become an economic powerhouse.
“This contingent will greatly contribute to strengthening the capacity of the Haitian police so that they can put gangs out of harm’s way,” he added.
Last October, the United Nations Security Council approved a Kenya-led multinational force as efforts continue to restore peace and security in the country with criminal gangs reported to be in control of at least 80 per cent of the capital.
The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad, Jamaica and Kenya have officially notified the Secretary-General of their intent to contribute personnel to the support mission.
Prime Minister Garry Conille in welcoming the arrival of the first batch of 400 soldiers from Kenya in June, spoke of “the determination of the Kenyan government and its people to support Haiti in the fight against insecurity that is corroding the society.
“The government and the Haitian people want this multinational mission to be the last one that helps it stabilize for the renewal of political personnel and the return to effective democracy. Long live solidarity between peoples! Long live Haiti !,” Prime Minister Conille said.
The MSS is expected to comprise more or less 2,500 police and military officers and on Tuesday, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield posted a message on X , formerly Twitter, to express Washington’s gratefulness for Kenya’s leadership over the multinational mission.
“Grateful for Kenya’s leadership and the arrival of Kenyan officers in Haiti,” Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said, emphasising also the need for global and regional partners to sustain efforts in addressing Haiti’s multidimensional crisis during a meeting on the country’s challenges with Kenya’s National Security Advisor, Monica Juma, and regional partners supporting the MSS.
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