President William Ruto on Wednesday defended the Kenyan government’s decision to deploy police officers to Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence. During a Q&A session at the White House, Ruto emphasized Kenya’s responsibility to assist countries in distress, highlighting Kenya’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa and beyond.
“I made a commitment to Kenyans to address insecurity in the North Rift, and I have followed through with action,” Ruto stated. “Currently, there are 3,000 military officers and 2,000 police officers in the North Rift. We’ve renovated 15 schools and reopened 20 more that had been closed. We are making tremendous progress in creating security at home.”
Ruto explained that the government is simultaneously addressing the banditry issue in the North Rift while sending police to Haiti. “Even as we deployed troops and police officers within our country, we also sent 1,000 troops to DRC Congo because that is our neighborhood,” Ruto said. He added that Kenya has deployed 5,000 troops in Somalia on a peacekeeping mission.
“This deployment to Haiti is equally our responsibility,” Ruto continued. “It speaks to our belief and commitment to peace and security. Sending 1,000 security personnel to Haiti aligns with our values of ensuring stability and peace for humanity.”
Ruto clarified that Kenya’s decision to participate in the Haiti peacekeeping mission is entirely independent and not influenced by external pressures. “The US cannot commit Kenya; that decision is mine to make as President, with the support of the Kenyan people,” he said. “Kenyans understand that insecurity and instability anywhere in the world pose a threat to everyone.”
On Tuesday, the first 100 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti to begin their peacekeeping mission. An additional 900 officers are expected to follow, with Kenya taking a leadership role in the multinational effort to restore law and order in the Caribbean nation. Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Noor Gabow, who led a reconnaissance delegation to Haiti last year, will serve as the Force Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission.
Since late April, the US Defense Department has facilitated the landing of over 37 flights at Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, underscoring the international support for Haiti. Kenyan troops will be tasked with guarding the airport and other critical installations, which had been shut down to commercial and regular flights since armed gangs launched attacks on state institutions in February.
Ruto’s defense of the deployment underscores Kenya’s broader commitment to global peace and security, reinforcing its role as a key player in international peacekeeping efforts.
