Kenyans have raised questions over the deployment of the Kenya police officers in Haiti after they were pictured guarding the United States (US) Embassy.
Photos published by the Associated Press showed armed Kenya police officers outside the embassy premises in Haiti.
In a separate photo, a groundskeeper of the embassy is seen walking past another Kenyan police in front of the building.
Kenyans online have questioned the role of the officers in the Caribbean nation, some feeling that it is unjustified for the officers to protect a facility belonging to the US.
At the same time, users on X have wondered whether the government put up appropriate measures to ensure that the roles of the officers were clearly defined.
“Have they gone to Haiti to deal with gangs or defend the US embassy? What’s happening? US should use its own forces which are nearby,” Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai questioned.
“Engaging in proxy wars for a cheque? This is so foolish,” X user Justin Wandah added.
Also Read: Police Hit Ground Running in Haiti, Reality Check for Protesters & Misinformation Galore
Role of Kenya Police in Haiti
In July 2023, Kenya volunteered to lead an international force to tackle violence in Haiti, where gangs control most of the capital Port-au-Prince. The gangs have caused disruption in the country leading to widespread killings, kidnappings and sexual violence.
The move was authorized by President William Ruto following the approval of the United Nations Security Council in October 2023. Among the roles the forces were assigned is to protect key government installation including offices and the airport as the transition government endeavors to restore order.
Consequently, the first contingent of 400 Kenyan police arrived in the Haitian capital on Tuesday, June 25.
The mandate of the officers is to assist Haitian police in securing key infrastructure and fighting criminal groups, which control nearly all the country’s capital and are responsible for widespread abuses.
The Caribbean nation has been racked by violence in recent months after gangs declared war on the government of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry in February.
According to the United Nation (UN), more than 2,500 people were killed or injured across the country from January to March while at least 95,000 people have fled the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Also Read: Haiti Prime Minister Reveals His Expectations for the Nation After Arrival of Kenyan Police
Kenyan Police Need Finances
Since the arrival of the police officers, Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille praised the initial performance of the officers, describing their arrival as a “new era” for the country’s security.
While addressing the U.N. Security Council on July 3, Conille emphasized the crucial role of the Kenyan police in combating gangs and facilitating the transition towards democratic elections in Haiti.
“The arrival of the first contingent of the Multinational Security Support kicks off a new era in Haiti,” said Conille.
The United Nations Intergrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) noted that without adequate funding, the mission would be unable to complete the 12-month deployment, whose mandate ends in October.
Notably, the United States pledged $309 million to the police mission, the largest contribution of any country. However, reports indicate that the funding is yet to arrive.
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