Haiti crisis not Kenya’s priority, we have enough problems, says Odinga

Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga has questioned the country’s decision to lead a peacekeeping mission in Haiti to combat gang violence there, terming it a “wrong move”.

Raila Odinga, in an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, said the planned police deployment in Haiti was not Kenya’s priority. He further added that the East African region already had “enough problems”.

“Before you even come to Africa, Haiti is at the doorstep of the United States which is the most powerful nation in the world. What is it that is so unique about Kenya that it is being chosen to lead the multinational force in Haiti?” Mr Odinga said.

Mr Odinga also said the situation in Haiti was dangerous, warning that the planned deployment risked the lives of the Kenyan police.

“When coffins start arriving here, that’s when we shall regret. Haiti is dangerous and there’s a possibility our police will encounter problems there,” he said.

“The problem in Haiti is political, it does not just require guns, it requires talks,” Mr Odinga added.

When coffins start arriving here, that’s when we shall regret. Haiti is dangerous!

Azimio la Umoja coalition leader, Raila Odinga

On Monday, the United Nations Security Council approved the deployment for a year with a review after nine months.

Kenya’s President William Ruto pledged “not to fail the people of Haiti”.

However, some critics have opposed the move, expressing doubt over the ability of Kenyan police to take on Haiti’s gangs.