Kenya Sends Fourth Police Contingent to Haiti for Security Mission

Thursday, February 7, 2025 – Kenya has deployed a fourth group of police officers to Haiti as part of the ongoing Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. The latest contingent, which arrived on Thursday, February 6, consists of 144 officers, including an elite all-female SWAT team.

This deployment raises the total number of Kenyan police officers in Haiti to 744. The first three contingents, comprising 600 officers, were sent earlier. Kenya had pledged to deploy 1,000 personnel to support Haiti’s security efforts.

While overseeing the officers’ departure, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen praised Kenya’s commitment to the mission, calling it a noble cause. Addressing concerns about Kenya’s role in Haiti, Murkomen likened the mission to a divine calling.

“Many ask, why Kenya? But for those willing to serve, we ask, why not? If not us, then who? We are borrowing from the Bible: ‘If He calls me, I will answer.’ This is a noble mission,” he stated.

Despite evolving challenges, Kenya remains dedicated to the operation. Earlier this week, the US, under President Donald Trump’s administration, announced it would withdraw financial contributions to the mission. However, the State Department later clarified that most aid would continue.

The Kenyan team was received in Haiti by senior government officials, including Transition Presidential Council President Leslie Voltaire, Prime Minister Didier Fils-Aimé, Haiti National Police Director General Normil Rameau, and MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge.

The Kenya-led MSS Mission, backed by the UN Trust Fund for Haiti, has support from Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Belize. The mission, launched in 2023, is expected to continue until September 2025.