Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille on Thursday arrived in Kenya to negotiate on the Caribbean nation’s security days after gangs killed 70 people in Central Haiti.
Upon his arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the Prime Minister was received by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Labour CS Alfred Mutua.
During his four-day trip in the country, Garry Conille will engage in high-level bilateral talks with President William Ruto on several issues centered on the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) which is led by Kenya.
The talks will also be centered on strengthening the longstanding ties between Kenya and Haiti, particularly in areas of mutual interest, including security cooperation and fostering partnerships that promote regional stability.
“It was my honour to receive and warmly welcome Prime Minister of the Republic of Haiti, Garry Conille, for a four-day official visit to Kenya,” Mudavadi commented.
“This visit by Conille represents a significant moment in the deepening of diplomatic relations between our two countries, with both Kenya and Haiti eager to explore new avenues for collaboration in economic development and security partnerships,” Mudavadi added.
Garry Conille's visit to Kenya comes against the backdrop of gang violence in Haiti that left seventy people dead. The incident which occurred in Central Haiti was committed by members of the Gran Griff gang.
During the incident, two gang members were also shot by the Haitian police with 16 other people left nursing critical injuries. The attack has since drawn concern from the International community including the United Nations.
Conille's tour also follows a fortnight after President Ruto paid a visit to the Caribbean nation to access the Kenya-led mission. Ruto while visiting the Asian country, praised the Kenyan police for their relentless efforts in fitting the gangs.
Ruto, in his speech, noted that the officers were able to expel gangs from critical infrastructure, allowing displaced Haitians to return to their homes. In his meeting with the officers, Ruto led them in praise songs and prayers.
"We’ve seen the reopening of the airport, the resumption of flights, and the retaking of Port-au-Prince’s main hospital, reviving economic activity and hope," Ruto said.
President Ruto went ahead to assure the Kenyan officers of the government's support and further disclosed plans to deploy 600 additional officers to aid in quelling the gang violence.