Gov’t Honours Officers Who Served in Haiti as Mission Comes to an End

President William Ruto has honoured Kenyan security officers who served in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support Mission, commending them for their courage, professionalism and sacrifice. 

On Friday, September 4, the President received the national flag from the Kenyan contingent at the National Police College in Embakasi, Nairobi, marking the conclusion of Kenya’s role in the international security mission. 

Ruto said Kenya formally concluded its participation in the mission in April 2026 after the operations transitioned into a Gang Suppression Force following approval by the United Nations Security Council.

"Kenya concluded its role in April 2026, following the transition of the security support mission operations into a Gang Suppression Force as approved by the United Nations Security Council," he wrote.

Ruto praised the Kenyan officers for displaying courage, discipline, professionalism and patriotism while serving in one of the world’s most difficult security environments.

"Our officers who served in Haiti demonstrated extraordinary courage, discipline, professionalism and patriotism in one of the most challenging security environments in the world," he added.

Ruto said the officers remained committed to their mission despite facing serious risks, contributing to efforts to restore stability and safeguard communities affected by gang violence and insecurity.

"They stood firm in the face of grave danger, helping restore stability and protecting communities in a country ravaged by gang violence and insecurity," he further said.

Ruto said receiving the national flag on behalf of Kenyans provided an opportunity to recognise the officers for the sacrifices they made in the service of both Kenya and humanity.

"As I received the flag on behalf of the people of Kenya, I salute these brave men and women for their immense sacrifice and service to our nation and humanity," he stated.

Ruto also noted that the officers had left their families and home country to undertake the international assignment, carrying with them Kenya’s values and the responsibility to protect lives and promote peace.

"They left their families and homeland to serve in a foreign land, carrying with them Kenyan values and the responsibility to protect life and advance peace," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, Ruto has welcomed scrutiny into the process by which the new police uniforms supply tender was awarded.

Speaking on Friday, September 4, Ruto acknowledged that the change of general service uniforms was part of broader reforms in the National Police Service and is a matter of public interest. 

He said that the government is ready to be held accountable given that taxpayers' money was used in the procurement process. 

"Because this entire police reform programme is undertaken in the public interest and financed with public resources, every aspect of it must withstand scrutiny. We welcome the scrutiny of every decision and every shilling spent," he stated.

Ruto noted that while accountability is welcome, it must be based on facts, and should not be an avenue to soil the reputation of individuals or institutions without supporting facts.

"Accountability is a constitutional obligation and must rest on facts, evidence and the truth. We must demand answers without prejudice; question decisions without condemning people unheard and expose wrongdoing wherever it exists.

"Honest scrutiny strengthens institutions, safeguards public resources and serves the greater public interest," he added.

Ruto reiterated that the final uniform design stemmed from consultation with police officers and the Kenyan republic amid claims by a section of Kenyans that it is an eyesore.

He added that it reflects considerations of professional identity, operational suitability, and the dignity of our police officers.

Ruto reaffirmed that his government was committed to implementing police reforms across the entire policing system, with much attention to remuneration, welfare and housing, technology, infrastructure and capacity building.

He noted that, so far, the government has implemented the three-phase salary review, which has significantly raised the basic salary of the police constable by up to 36 per cent.