Kenyan Police Decry Wage Delays Amid Haiti Peacekeeping Mission

Kenyan police deployed to Haiti under a United Nations mission have raised the alarm over delayed wage payments, with some threatening resignation if their grievances are not addressed. The officers allege they have gone without pay for three months, hindering their ability to support families back home.

Speaking to Citizen TV, officers detailed their struggles, including poor working conditions and alleged control over their communication to prevent information from reaching Kenya.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja dismissed the claims, insisting the officers have been paid in full. “The officers on the ground are doing quite well,” he assured during a briefing. His sentiments were echoed by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who clarified that the United Nations, not the Kenyan government, is responsible for paying the officers.

“The Kenyan team is part of the United Nations multi-support team in Haiti. The terms of engagement are clear, and it is the UN paying for that support,” Omollo stated.

However, insiders refuted these assertions, terming them misleading. Officers claim financial difficulties persist, despite assurances from Kenyan officials.

This controversy follows revelations by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi that Kenya had spent Ksh2 billion on the Haiti mission. This expenditure contradicted earlier promises that the mission would not rely on Kenyan funds. Mbadi defended the allocation, stating that the United Nations would reimburse Kenya soon.

The situation has sparked concern over the treatment of Kenyan police serving in Haiti and raised questions about government transparency and accountability.

As tension escalates, the officers’ plight continues to draw public attention, with calls mounting for immediate solutions to their challenges.