By Andrew Wasike
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA)— Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) on Tuesday defended the operational capability of its police officers deployed to Haiti, rejecting criticism from local media.
In a statement, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga dismissed "unfounded, false, and unpatriotic" claims published by Daily Nation on April 15, 2025, which questioned the readiness and effectiveness of Kenyan officers serving under the UN-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti.
"The service categorically refutes these unfounded, false, and unpatriotic claims," said Muchiri in the strongly worded statement issued from Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.
The statement comes following the deaths of two Kenyan police officers in Haiti in recent months, which have raised fresh concerns about the mission's safety and impact both in Kenya and internationally.
Officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai was shot dead in February during an operation against armed gangs in Savien, while Benedict Kabiru was killed in March in Pont-Sonde during an ambush by a gang.
Despite these setbacks, Kenyan authorities say their officers remain committed to restoring security in Haiti, a country grappling with some of the worst gang violence in its history.
In the latest developments from Haiti, Kenyan-led forces under the MSS Mission have continued joint operations with the Haitian National Police, targeting gang strongholds in Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions.
Efforts have focused on clearing roads, restoring public order, and protecting critical infrastructure amid escalating lawlessness.
According to the NPS statement, the Kenyan officers deployed in June 2024 were rigorously trained before their mission, covering firearms proficiency, public order management, international humanitarian law, and the French language.
"The officers have been provided with tactical vehicles (including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, ammunition in sufficient quantities, as well as helicopters, night-vision goggles, and drones, all of which meet international standards," Muchiri said.
He noted that the MSS Mission has intensified joint operations with the Haitian National Police to "reduce crime and violence, fostering a more secure environment."
Kenya’s involvement in Haiti, authorized by the UN Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023), has been described as a significant milestone in the Caribbean nation’s struggle for stability.
The NPS said Kenyan officers would remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting Haiti’s path to peace despite the challenges posed by heavily armed gangs controlling parts of the capital and rural areas.
"Kenyan officers remain steadfast in their commitment to restoring security and stability in Haiti," Muchiri reaffirmed.
The Haitian government and international partners, including the United Nations, continue to back the Kenyan-led mission, while Kenya has vowed to stand by its commitment to international peacekeeping and regional security.