ODM Warns Ruto Over Haiti Mission, Raises Six Key Concerns

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has pronounced itself on the planned deployment of police officers in Haiti.

In a statement on Thursday, the party voiced its concerns about the plan describing it as an ill-advised and opportunistic move. 

The Party maintained that whilst acknowledging Haiti’s significance as the first black African country to gain independence from colonial masters, it holds little strategic value to Kenya.

In the statement, ODM argued that Haiti is miles away from Kenya and as such its internal affairs do not pose a direct threat to Kenya’s security.

Further, the Party questioned the thinking behind picking the National Police Service to take part in the proposed mission instead of the Kenya Defense Forces. 

As per the party, the role of the Police is strictly dealing with internal threats to security and have no mandate on external missions.

In addition, the party warned that powerful countries have in the past attempted to quell the insecurity in Haiti without success.

In the statement, ODM warned that the situation in Haiti is dire thus calling for a serious intervention beyond “mere policing”.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that the breakdown of law and order, or the instability in Haiti, are not superficial issues that require mere policing,” the statement read in part.

Also Read: High Court Stops Kenya from Deploying Police to Haiti

Handle Kenya’s security threats first

Additionally, ODM questioned the haste in volunteering to help restore order in Haiti at a time Kenya was still facing multiple security threats.

In the statement, the party cited recently reported Sondu clashes and the perennial attacks along Kenya’s border with Somalia as some the threats requiring prompt interventions. 

According to the statement, Kenya has a shortage of police officers and thus the move to volunteer police officers to a foreign country raised eyebrows. Also mentioned in the statement was the concern about the history of Kenya’s police service in regard to respect of human rights.

As per the statement, Kenya police officers have in the past disregarded human rights in handling security operations and as such warned that sending police officers to the international stage would embarrass Kenya.

Moreover, ODM emphasized that the government should have sought an approval from Parliament prior to making the offer. Consequently, the Party asked President William Ruto to rethink his offer.

Also Read: Babu Owino Gives 3 Reasons Why Kenyan Police Will Lose in Haiti

Further, the opposition party asked its members in parliament to reject the proposal in the event it reaches the floor of the house. 

“In light of the concerns, ODM urges the Ruto regime to reconsider this offer,” the Party noted.

The statement came one week after the United Nations Security Council okayed Kenya’s request to lead a multinational security mission in the Carribean island nation.

However, multiple concerns have been raised concerning the proposal with players including human rights activists opposing Kenya’s offer to lead the mission.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway as government moves to meet the projected date of early 2024 to commence the mission.