Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has accused President William Ruto of being misled into joining the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti. Speaking to Citizen TV on Thursday, Maanzo said the President failed to hold thorough consultations before signing onto the mission, which he claims is fraught with serious challenges.
“I’ve met Haitians in Washington D.C. lobbying against Kenya’s deployment, saying it risks putting blacks against blacks. I think President Ruto was duped into agreeing to this deal,” Maanzo remarked.
The Senator raised concerns about insufficient compensation and resources, describing the mission as a burden for Kenya. He noted that President Ruto himself acknowledged the logistical shortcomings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, pointing to poor preparation and advice.
President Ruto revealed that the mission is operating at only 40 percent capacity due to a shortage of personnel, equipment, and logistical support. Most of the vehicles deployed are second-hand, frequently breaking down and exposing officers to danger.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, appearing alongside Maanzo, urged improvements in communication protocols, especially in cases of officer casualties. This follows the controversy surrounding police officer Benedict Kabiru, who was killed in Haiti in March 2025. His family reportedly remained unaware of his death for months, only learning about it from President Ruto in New York, while the Attorney General’s office claimed no official notice had been received.
Kenya leads the mission with 735 out of 989 officers, supported by Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Canada. Despite the challenges, President Ruto commended the Kenyan officers for their bravery, though he admitted that international support has been limited.
Senator Maanzo urged the government to adopt well-calculated strategies in future foreign missions to prevent similar missteps and ensure the safety and proper support of Kenyan personnel abroad.
