“The controversial deployment of Kenyan police officers in Haiti continues to be debated. Despite the approval of the UN Security Council, this decision arouses strong criticism within the country. According to the Kenyan Constitution, the deployment must still be validated by Parliament. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki recently responded to questions from a parliamentary committee, calling for validation of this mission.”
In his response, the minister defended the deployment, despite the skepticism of some parliamentarians. He first assured that the financing of the operation will be covered by UN member countries, with a budget estimated at $600 million for a period of one year. “Until resources are made available, Kenyan troops will not leave the country,” he said.
Kithure Kindiki also reassured parliamentarians about the impact on the security of Kenyans. While the country faces security challenges, such as organized crime and the presence of Shebab Islamists in the north of the country, some fear that the deployment of police officers will weaken their response capacity. However, the minister declared that Kenyan police officers will be deployed in support of Haitian structures and not as an “occupying force”. They will provide their expertise to secure essential infrastructure and support the national police.
In addition, the minister revealed that eleven other countries have already promised to participate in this mission in Haiti, although he did not specify which ones. This demonstrates international support for this initiative, which aims to strengthen stability and security in Haiti by working with local forces.
However, despite the approval of the UN Security Council and the defense of the Minister of the Interior, the deployment of Kenyan police officers in Haiti was suspended by a court in Nairobi. A High Court must now rule on an appeal filed by a lawyer and political opponent, who believes that this deployment is unconstitutional.
A next hearing is scheduled for November 16 as part of this appeal. In the meantime, the final decision on the deployment of Kenyan police officers remains pending.”
In conclusion, the deployment of Kenyan police officers in Haiti continues to generate debate and controversy. While the Kenyan government defends this initiative by highlighting international financial support and the contribution of these police officers in stabilizing and securing Haiti, some parliamentarians and political opponents raise concerns about its constitutionality and its impact on national security. . Case to follow at the next hearing in November.