400 Kenyan Officers Set to Conclude Year-Long Haiti Peacekeeping Mission

The initial contingent of 400 Kenyan police officers nears the end of their year-long deployment in Haiti under the United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission this June.

Deployed on June 25, 2024, the officers were tasked with addressing the pervasive gang violence and instability that had plagued the Caribbean nation. The MSS Mission, operating under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council and led by Mr. Godfrey Otunge, has since expanded to include a total of 1,217 Kenyan personnel. This commitment was bolstered by the deployment of 600 additional officers in October 2024, followed by a smaller contingent of 217 officers in January 2025.

Despite notable successes in combating organised crime and restoring access to major thoroughfares previously controlled by gangs, the mission has been marked by significant losses and operational difficulties. Two Kenyan officers have tragically died in the line of duty. Samuel Tompoi was killed during a gang attack. The fate of Benedict Kabiru remains unresolved; Kenyan authorities list him as missing, with credible reports suggesting he is being held by the Gran Grif gang, a notorious faction within the Viv Ansanm coalition. 

This group, known for its brutality, has released video evidence of Kabiru's capture but has remained silent on his condition. The Gran Grif gang, led by Monel “Micanord” Felix, has emerged as a primary adversary within the Viv Ansanm coalition. The gang has been implicated in over 110 deaths during December 2024 alone. The Viv Ansanm coalition, led by Jimmy Cherizier, also known as "Barbecue," was formed shortly before the arrival of Kenyan forces, presenting a formidable obstacle to stabilisation efforts due to its multiple factions.

MSS personnel, collaborating with the Haitian National Police, have reported progress in dismantling gang operations and restoring vital infrastructure. However, logistical and resource-related issues continue to impede the mission's overall progress. MSS spokesperson Mr. Jack Ombaka notes that the mission has not yet achieved its intended deployment targets due to ongoing personnel shortages. Furthermore, deficiencies in equipment, particularly the quality and quantity of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), have limited operational efficiency. 

While gradual and decisive operations have yielded positive results, Ombaka acknowledges that the mission's full potential remains unrealised. Delays in salary payments to officers, attributed to administrative complications between New York and Nairobi, pose another significant challenge. Kenya’s involvement in Haiti represents a pivotal moment in the country's international peacekeeping efforts, demonstrating its capability and commitment to global security initiatives.