CS Murkomen, IG Kanja Jet to Haiti as Drawdown of Kenyan Officers Concludes

CS Murkomen, IG Kanja Jet to Haiti as Drawdown of Kenyan Officers Concludes

Nairobi — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have travelled to Haiti to oversee the final phase of the drawdown of Kenyan police officers deployed under the multinational security mission, marking a significant transition in Kenya’s international policing role.

According to a statement from the National Police Service (NPS), the two senior officials departed the country on April 27 for what has been described as both a morale-boosting and oversight visit, coinciding with the conclusion of a key deployment phase.

Upon arrival in the Caribbean nation, the delegation received comprehensive briefings on the operations of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, including its reported successes in stabilisation efforts and the ongoing transition to a new framework known as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

During the visit, Murkomen conveyed a message of goodwill from President William Ruto, commending Kenyan officers for their role in restoring order in a country long plagued by gang violence and institutional instability.

“I bring you greetings from the President and the people of Kenya. Your unwavering commitment and sacrifice in restoring law and order in Haiti is commendable,” Murkomen said, describing the mission as historic and impactful.

He further noted that Kenyan personnel had played a central role in peacekeeping and stabilisation efforts, contributing to a reduction in violence in key urban areas previously controlled by armed groups.

Inspector General Kanja also praised the officers, highlighting their professionalism and discipline under challenging conditions.

“You have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, discipline and commitment while representing Kenya on the global stage,” Kanja told the contingent, while acknowledging the support of international partners in executing the mission.

The visit comes at a critical juncture, as the MSS mission begins its transition into the GSF, a restructured force expected to take over anti-gang operations in Haiti. The drawdown signals a shift in operational strategy, with some Kenyan officers expected to return home as others integrate into the new framework.

However, the mission has recently faced increased scrutiny following a report by the United Nations detailing allegations of misconduct involving deployed personnel.

The report, compiled by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, confirmed four cases of sexual violence involving Kenyan officers, categorising them as “violations corroborated”. The victims, all female, were reported to be aged between 12 and 18, raising serious concerns about accountability within the mission.

While investigations into the incidents have been conducted, details regarding disciplinary or legal action against the implicated officers remain unclear, with some cases still listed as pending.

Addressing the issue earlier in April, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric indicated that the organisation would continue to monitor the situation closely.

“The United Nations will ensure that all allegations are followed up and that appropriate action is taken under the established accountability framework,” Dujarric stated.

Despite the controversy, Kenyan authorities have maintained that the mission remains a critical component of international efforts to restore stability in Haiti. The MSS deployment was authorised by the UN Security Council in 2024 to combat escalating gang violence that had paralysed public services and displaced thousands of civilians.

Analysts note that Kenya’s involvement in the mission has elevated its profile in global peacekeeping, even as it navigates the complexities of operating in volatile environments and addressing allegations of misconduct.

As the drawdown progresses and the transition to the GSF takes shape, attention is now shifting to how the new force will sustain the gains made and address the challenges that persist.

For Kenya, the Haiti mission represents both a diplomatic milestone and a test of accountability, with the government under pressure to balance international commitments with adherence to human rights standards.

The outcome of this transition phase is expected to shape future deployments and inform how multinational security operations are structured and supervised moving forward.

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CS Murkomen, IG Kanja Jet to Haiti as Drawdown of Kenyan Officers Concludes