Kenya prepares hundreds of police troops for Haiti deployment
Hundreds of Kenyan police are ready to leave for Haiti as part of efforts to quell gang violence incidents that have taken over the country in recent times.
Kenya’s President William Ruto has been championing the quest for his county to lead a multinational force tasked with restoring peace to Haiti following months of gang-related incidents that have left the country devasted.
Despite fierce debate in parliament over the safety of Kenyan troops in Haiti and opposition by some ministries, human rights activists, and sections of the public, police officers began training in late 2023, the New York Times reports.
After months of training, the Kenyan police officers have been called back from leave this week ahead of their deployment expected to happen by the close of May.
Meanwhile, the United States of America (U.S.) military has set up barracks in Haiti which will serve as the operation grounds for deployed police officers from Kenya. The base will be set up in Haiti’s capital city Port-au-Prince.
A total of 1,000 Kenyan police officers are expected to be deployed as part of the 2,500 members making up the international mission. The Kenyan contingent consists of 1,000 officers drawn from National Police Service units: the paramilitary General Service Unit, Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, and Border Police Unit.
The other 1,500 will comprise personnel from half a dozen nations that have pledged to support the mission.
Kenyan President, William Ruto is also expected to be hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 23 during an official state visit to discuss a range of issues including the recent flooding and debt.
