Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has stated that the Kenya police are well equipped to handle the security crisis in Haiti.
In a statement on Thursday, September 28, Cherargei claimed that the Kenya Police will easily neutralize the criminal gangs in the Caribbean nation because of how easily they handled Azimio protests in the country.
Moreover, the Senator welcomed the mission adding that the police did a good job in handling the protestors and even received international recognition.
“The Kenya Police can easily handle Haiti criminal gangs because they vanquished the Azimio illegal protests thoroughly until the entire world noticed their effectiveness and efficiency in handling lawlessness,” stated Cherargei.
Cherargei went on to congratulate the Kenya Police Service for being selected for the mission.
“As you serve our Haitian brothers, our prayers go with you,” he added.
Also Read: Little-Known Facts About Haiti; Where Kenya & U.S Have Interests
Kenya Agrees to Send Police to Haiti
Earlier in April 22, the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Alfred Mutua revealed that the government had come to an agreement with Haiti to send a contingent of police officers to the Caribbean nation.
According to Mutua, the move was meant to help Haiti fight a reign of terror waged on civilians by gangs in the country.
“We reviewed Haiti’s situation where gangs have made towns & peoples’ lives unbearable. In this regard, Kenya has offered to send police officers to assist in stabilizing the country. Kenya is one of the nations at the forefront in supporting Haiti’s process towards stability,” CS Mutua stated.
Also Read: Kenya Sends Team to Haiti to Prepare for Police Deployment
Additionally, on September 25, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Kenya’s Defense Minister Aden Duale inked a five-year deal that saw Kenya receive Ksh14 billion to support logistical operations for the Haiti operation.
The US Defense secretary thanked Kenya for its willingness to take the lead of a multinational security force to combat gang violence in Haiti.
Police Brutality During Azimio Protests
The Azimio led demonstrations that took place in June and July, to protest the high cost of living among other concerns caught the attention of many international entities because of police brutality.
In July 14, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence, stated that they were very concerned about the widespread violence during anti-government protests.
Moreover, he highlighted the unnecessary use of force, including the use of firearms, by police during demonstrations, calling for thorough investigations into the deaths and injuries.
Also Read: Azimio Protests Catch United Nations Attention
“We call for prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries. Those responsible must be held to account,” he stated.
His sentiments were shared by Azimio leader Raila Odinga who claimed that gangs had been deployed to harm and kill innocent Kenyans during the protests.
