Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Haiti’s stabilisation efforts alongside the United States and other international partners, despite rising domestic opposition to the initiative.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei said Nairobi remains dedicated to contributing to peace and stability in the Caribbean nation, which continues to grapple with widespread gang violence.
“We will continue to work with the United States and other members of the Standing Group of Partners on Haiti to support the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and the Haiti National Police (HNP) on stabilisation,” PS Sing’oei stated.
His remarks came in response to US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, who praised Kenya’s “longstanding role” in Haiti during a UN Security Council briefing on Wednesday. Waltz commended Kenya for “sharing the burden” of helping restore order and democratic governance in Haiti.
“Haiti stands at a crossroads. The US will remain relentless in pursuing gangs terrorising the Caribbean. It is encouraging to have the UN and partners like Kenya on board,” Waltz said.
However, Kenya’s continued participation in the new mission has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and former government officials. They argue that the deployment of Kenyan forces to Haiti diverts critical resources from pressing domestic security needs.
Former Vice President and ex-Foreign Affairs Minister Kalonzo Musyoka remains one of the mission’s most vocal critics. He has repeatedly termed Kenya’s decision to lead the initial Multinational Security Support Mission “misadvised.”
“The mission was never approved by the UN Security Council, making it a mission impossible,” Kalonzo said in a recent interview. “We must condemn the reckless decisions that put our young men in danger in Haiti. We want our boys back.”
The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission’s mandate expired on October 2, paving the way for the new Gang Suppression Force, which Kenya has pledged to support.
