The National Police Service has said that the Kenyan police officers serving under the multinational security support mission in Haiti are well capable and equipped.
NPS dismissed reports questioning the capability of the officers.
The agency noted that before their deployment in June 2024, the officers underwent rigorous training covering a wide range of critical areas, which equipped them with the skills and capabilities to provide operational support to the Haitian National Police in combating gang violence.
“The officers underwent rigorous training covering a wide range of critical areas including Firearms proficiency, Public order management, International human rights and humanitarian law, Fundamental principles of peacekeeping and French language training,” NPS said in a statement.
The security agency added that they had been provided with tactical vehicles (including MRAPS), ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, ammunition in sufficient quantities, helicopters, night-vision goggles, and drones, all of which meet international standards.
The statement made was in regards to reports that expressed scepticism and questioned the capabilities of the officers in the provision of security operational support.
However, NPS noted that the officers demonstrated exceptional capabilities despite existing challenges.
“With a distinguished record in international policing and peace support operations, Kenya’s National Police Service continues to demonstrate exceptional capability and professionalism in executing this mission, a fact widely acknowledged in Haiti and beyond, despite challenges inherent in such security operations,” the statement read.
The agency said that the collaboration between the Kenya-led MSS Mission and the Haitian National Police has intensified joint operations to reduce crime and violence, fostering a more secure environment.
The police service added that the officers remained steadfast in their commitment to restoring security and stability in Haiti.
A Kenyan police officer who went missing in Haiti is yet to be found.
At the end of last month, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said efforts were ongoing to trace him.
“We have a missing officer who we are still looking for. When we find him, we will inform you,” he said.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen refuted claims that more Kenya Police officers may have lost their lives in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti than was officially reported.
He asserted that records of the officers affected were well
documented and widely known, adding that it would be difficult to conceal the
numbers.
