Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission have achieved a significant milestone by securing their third forward operating base (FOB) in the troubled Caribbean nation.
On Tuesday, the elite police unit officially handed over the newly secured base to their Guatemalan counterparts after successfully neutralizing gang activity in the area. Kenyan troops, led by Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Godfrey Otunge, revealed that their coordinated efforts enabled them to reclaim the once gang-infested zone controlled by notorious Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, alias Barbecue.
“The IGPNH was considered a no-go zone, and when we captured it, citizens were amazed at our success,” Otunge stated. He confirmed that renovation and refurbishment efforts were underway, with Kenyan officers overseeing the process before an official handover.
Haitian security forces expressed their gratitude for Kenya’s intervention, acknowledging the critical role played in reclaiming their neighborhoods from criminal elements that have plagued the nation for over five years. Haitian police officer Claudio Quiroz commended the Kenyan team for their professionalism and collaboration in achieving their shared objectives.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has announced plans to deploy an all-female-led security team in future missions to Haiti. The upcoming deployments will include specialized units such as the General Service Unit (GSU), the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
Kenya’s ongoing mission in Haiti is expected to further cement the nation’s reputation as a reliable global peacekeeping partner committed to restoring order and security in conflict-ridden regions.