IG of Police Japhet Koome
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The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed rumours circulating on social media about the deaths of seven of its officers in the troubled Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.
The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has described these claims as baseless, inaccurate, unpatriotic, and malicious. The deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti has garnered international attention as they join forces with the Haitian National Police to restore stability to the troubled Caribbean nation. President William Ruto's commitment of 1,000 Kenyan troops reflects the country's dedication to global peacekeeping initiatives, though the mission faces significant challenges. Haiti has long struggled with instability, a situation exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
The country currently grapples with escalating violence with a powerful gang controlling the majority of the capital. This unrest has resulted in thousands of casualties with over half a million people rendered homeless due to gang-related attacks. The recent arrival of the first 400 Kenyan officers in Haiti has elicited mixed reactions from locals. While some welcome their presence, others remain wary, recalling a previous UN-backed intervention from 2004 to 2017. That mission was tarnished by allegations of sexual assault and the inadvertent introduction of cholera, which claimed nearly 10,000 lives.
Upon their arrival, Kenyan officers encountered resistance from the gang led by Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier. Initially seeking dialogue with Haiti's Prime Minister Garry Conille, Cherizier later vowed to fight the Kenyan police to the death. His gang members opened fire on authorities, perceiving the Kenyan force as invaders. Despite these obstacles, Kenyan officers have been collaborating closely with their Haitian counterparts. They have strategically mapped key operational areas within the gang-controlled capital and conducted joint patrols. The Kenyan contingent is led by Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow and other high-ranking police officials.
Haiti's interim Prime Minister Garry Conille has expressed confidence that the Kenyan-led international force will bring an end to lawlessness in the country. US President Joe Biden has welcomed the deployment, recognizing it as the most promising opportunity to achieve democratic governance in Haiti. The United Nations has approved a policing mission comprising 2,500 officers from various countries, with Kenya volunteering to spearhead the effort.
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Any information from the Barbacue?
They have not even been there a month and already the are worm food.They were warned to stay away and why are they even there in the first place Haiti is of no social economic or political influence to Kenya. Not only are they a world away we have nothing in common a basket case let it burn
Comrades,
What we need is Babercue parading dead soldiers.
This will wake up the Kenyan community.
Then Babercue💩them.
"Upon their arrival, Kenyan officers encountered resistance from the gang led by Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier." Why aren't we being told what kind of resistance.We have all along been aware that Barbecue would not welcome Kenyan Officers with open arms.So let's hope that these allegation are just malicious rumors.
My concern is that,since the inception or rather the proposal of this mission,controversy has been non stop.Firstly,the USA did not want to sent its foot solders there,secondly despite pleadings to UN security council by Haitian prime minister,this is not a UN mission. Thirdly and most important is the Kenyan courts ruled that the government had no jurisdiction over such a mission.
Of course right now body known the end out come,but let's hope that we sustain minimal loss of human life on both sides if any.And the mission will be accomplished in accordance to the purpose stated forthwith- meaning within a reasonable time.
A handful of countries have also pledged to send their "forces" there,but Iam sure some are employing' the -wait- and- see attitude' Basically see what Kenyans do before they commit.
It is also unfortunate that wananchi in general did not back this mission.In light of what is going on in the country one wonders if our representatives are truly representing the masses. They seem to be out of touch with the electorate.And have been for years. We need to take- Out with the old in with the new approach .