Kenyan Police Officers in Haiti: Resignations and Delays

Photo: Courtesy of Kenyan Police

Approximately 20 of the 400 Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti as part of a U.N.-backed anti-gang mission have submitted resignation letters in the past two months, citing delayed pay and poor working conditions.

According to three officers who spoke anonymously to Reuters, the resignations are due to the difficulties they face in their deployment. Despite submitting their letters, the officers have not received a response and continue to serve on the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.

MSS Commander Godfrey Otunge disputed the claims, stating that all personnel have received their salaries and allowances, and no officer has tendered a resignation. He emphasized that MSS officers remain highly motivated and are fully committed to supporting the Haitian National Police in operations aimed at dismantling gang networks and restoring stability.

However, Reuters stood by the accuracy of its report, although it agrees that it did not seek MSS comment before publication. Kenya’s national police spokesperson did not respond to inquiries regarding the pay delays and resignations. Kenyan police chief Douglas Kanja stated at a news conference that officers had been paid through October, but the three officers disputed this, saying their last payment was in September.

Background and Challenges

Kenya has deployed about 400 officers to lead the MSS mission, intended to include 2,500 personnel from multiple countries. However, the force has struggled with funding and staffing, as only a few officers from other countries have joined. A pledge by Kenyan President William Ruto in October to send an additional 600 officers the following month has not been fulfilled, and no further police officers have been sent from other nations.

Kenya has deployed about 400 officers since June to lead the MSS, which is meant to comprise around 2,500 personnel from about 10 countries, but the force has been hobbled by funding and staffing shortfalls. Only a handful of officers from the other countries have arrived in Haiti, and a pledge in October by Kenyan President William Ruto to send another 600 officers the following month did not materialise.

Conclusion

The situation in Haiti remains challenging, with gang violence having killed thousands across the country over the past two years. The deployment of Kenyan police officers has been intended to support the Haitian National Police in operations aimed at dismantling gang networks and restoring stability. Despite the challenges faced by the Kenyan officers, it is essential to address the pay and working condition issues to ensure the success of the mission.

FAQs

Q: Why have some Kenyan police officers submitted resignation letters?
A: The officers have cited delayed pay and poor working conditions as the reasons for their resignations.

Q: Has the MSS Commander disputed the claims of resignations?
A: Yes, MSS Commander Godfrey Otunge has disputed the claims, stating that all personnel have received their salaries and allowances, and no officer has tendered a resignation.

Q: What is the current deployment size of the MSS mission?
A: Kenya has deployed about 400 officers to lead the MSS mission, intended to include 2,500 personnel from multiple countries. However, the force has struggled with funding and staffing shortfalls.

Q: What is the current situation in Haiti?
A: Gang violence that has killed thousands across Haiti over the past two years has worsened recently, with armed groups spreading last month into some of the last parts of the capital Port-au-Prince that were not already under their control.