A contingent of 230 police officers who were deployed under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti have returned to the country.
The officers landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday, December 9 evening aboard a Kenya Airways (KQ) plane.
National Security Advisor to the President Monica Juma, Deputy Inspector General, Kenya Police Service (KPS) Eliud Lagat and Deputy Inspector General, Administration Police Service (APS) Gilbert Masengeli received the officers at JKIA.
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Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Juma lauded the contingent for representing Kenya internationally.
“National Security Advisor Amb. Dr Monica Juma lauded the contingent as ‘a promise kept,’ referencing the commitment made during the pre-deployment briefing on 24 June 2024.
“She recognized their distinction in representing Kenya internationally and announced upcoming reintegration and wellness programmes to ensure a smooth transition back to duty,” the National Police Service (NPS) said in a statement.
Juma also led attendees in observing a moment of silence in honour of the officers who did not make it home safely.
The National Security Advisor to the president affirmed that their sacrifice will forever remain part of the Nation’s distinguished legacy.
DIG Lagat praised the officers, noting that the experience gained will further strengthen policing standards and operational excellence within Kenya. On his part, DIG Masengeli commended the contingent for their honourable service in Haiti.
The 100 police officers were among the first contingent which was deployed to Haiti in June 2024.
Kenyan then deployed 4 other contingents to help restore peace in the gang-stricken Caribbean nation.
The latest contingent of 230 officers arrived at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince on Monday, December 8.
The troops were accompanied by Senior Assistant Inspector General (SAIG) James Kamau and Deputy National Security Advisor Joseph Boinett.
This comes months after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) approved the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to replace the Kenyan-led MSS in Haiti.
UNSC adopted the resolution on Tuesday, September 30, after 12 countries voted in favour of it, while 3 abstained.
The GSF will comprise 5,550 uniformed personnel, including police officers and soldiers, unlike the current mission.
The force, which has been granted a 12-month mandate, will work closely with the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the Haitian Armed Forces to conduct intelligence-led operations to neutralise gangs, provide security for critical infrastructure, and support humanitarian access.
GSF is expected to draw participation from the US, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.
