The National Police Service (NPS) on Tuesday dismissed reports suggesting that Kenyan police officers deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti are facing challenges that might likely jeopardise the mission.
NPS, in a statement, dismissed a story that was published by the Daily Nation newspaper claiming that the officers are overstretched and struggling to effectively carry out their mandate due to numerous challenges, including limited funding and operational constraints.
The statement signed by the Spokesperson of NPS, Muchiri Nyaga, maintained that the reports were unfounded and misleading while detailing that the contingent of Kenyan officers was deployed in line with the United Nations Security Council.
Police maintain that the claims indicating that the officers have not made major progress due to concerns about their capability to handle the mission were misleading since they were well-trained before leaving Kenya to go help the Haitian National Police in combating gang aggression.
''Prior to deployment, the officers underwent rigorous training, covering a wide range of critical areas, including firearms proficiency, public order management, international human rights and humanitarian law, fundamental principles of peacekeeping, and French language training. This comprehensive preparation fully equipped them for the mission," the statement read in part.
The reports come in the wake of troubling incidents faced by the MSS mission, including a recent ambush on officers while on duty. In response, the NPS assured the public that the Kenyan officers are equipped with modern tactical gear that meets international standards.
''The officers have been provided with tactical vehicles (including MRAPS), ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, and munition in sufficient quantities, as well as helicopters, night-vision goggles, and drones, all of which meet international standards,'' NPS added.
Further, NPS assured that the Kenyan officers remain well-prepared and resilient, noting their distinguished track record in international policing and peace support missions.
''The Kenya-led MSS Mission and the Haitian National Police have intensified joint operations to reduce the gang elements, fostering a more secure environment. This marks a significant milestone in Haiti's path to stability, despite the persistent threats posed by gangs.''
The Kenyan troops have come under increased pressure amid reports that they have been placed on high alert in Haiti following intelligence that a coalition of outlawed gangs is plotting to seize power and derail efforts to restore constitutional order ahead of the upcoming elections.
The developments come at a time when the Kenyan troops in Haiti have already lost two police officers to Haitian gang members.
Kenyan officer Samwel Tompoi Kitwai was the first casualty, losing his life in February during an operation in the Ségur-Savien area, where he succumbed to injuries sustained in one of the gang attacks.
Barely a month later, Kenya lost Benedict Kabiru, who was eliminated during an ambush by gangs in the Artibonite region. His body was reportedly taken by the attackers, and efforts to recover it are ongoing.
