Ruto: Kenya to complete full police deployment to Haiti by January 2025

President William Ruto has confirmed that Kenya will fulfill its commitment to ensure 2,500 police officers are deployed to Haiti as part of a mission to restore peace to the Caribbean nation.

Speaking during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Thursday, the President explained that the 382 officers already deployed to Haiti had made significant strides in the mission by protecting critical infrastructure and regaining communities previously held by gangs.

Ruto lauded the United States and Canada for providing the necessary funding and logistical support towards the mission.

"Just a few days ago, I had the opportunity to visit Haiti and witnessed the work of our officers in the field and observe remarkable progress on the ground," he said. 

"We are deeply grateful for the financial and logistical support from the US, Canada, and other member states that are shouldering this heavy burden. This has been critical to the Multination Security Support (MSS) deployment thus far."

In spite of the tremendous achievements, President Ruto acknowledged that the mission faced numerous challenges such as several nations failing to honour their pledges in providing the required funds.

"Kenya and other African countries are ready to deploy but are hindered by insufficient equipment, logistics and funding. I appeal to member states to stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti by providing necessary support either directly to MSS, contributing countries or through the UN Trust Fund," the Head of State said.

"I must emphasise, however, that Kenya will deploy the additional contingent towards attaining the target of all 2,500 police officers by January next year. The progress so far in Haiti demonstrates that what once deemed mission impossible is indeed a present and undeniable possibility."

Haiti has been riddled with conflict and chaos following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

Former Prime Minister Ariel Henry took office at a time when gangs occupied strategic infrastructures of the nation. 

Haiti sought assistance from several nations, with Kenya accepting to lead other countries in a peacekeeping mission. This was formally agreed upon during Henry's travel to Kenya in March 2024. 

The visit seemingly sealed Henry's fate as he was forced to resign after Haitian gangs reigned terror in the nation.

Thereafter, a Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti was formed to restore political stability and plan the next general election on February 2026. 

Further, the council selected Garry Conille as the nation's Prime Minister.