The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti dismissed reports of Kenyan officers resigning due to delayed payments. Kenya has deployed a total of 400 police officers to Haiti. The deployment is part of a United Nations-approved mission to stabilize Haiti amid rising violence.
Plans exist to increase the number of Kenyan officers to 1,000. This will contribute to a 2,500-strong international force, including officers from Bangladesh, Jamaica, and Barbados.
Earlier on, Reuters reported that 20 officers from the team submitted resignation letters two months ago. The officers claimed they received no response but continued serving. They spoke anonymously, as they are not allowed to speak to the media.
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge rejected the claims. He called them malicious and inaccurate. He confirmed that all personnel received their full salaries and allowances. No officer has resigned.
The MSS stated that its officers remain highly motivated and committed to supporting the Haiti National Police. They are working to dismantle gangs and restore stability. The Kenyan-led mission began on June 25, 2024. The United Nations approved the mission to stabilize Haiti amid growing violence. Initially, 400 Kenyan officers deployed.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja answered similar questions in Nairobi. He confirmed that officers in Haiti received their payment through October. In September, President William Ruto pledged to send 600 more officers to Haiti to fight gangs in Port-au-Prince.
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