Despite a recent court ruling in Nairobi blocking the deployment, Kenyan President William Ruto affirmed on Tuesday that Kenya intends to proceed with plans to lead a United Nations-approved security mission to Haiti.
The mission, aimed at addressing widespread gang violence in Haiti that claimed nearly 5,000 lives last year, is set to be initially funded by the United States.
The Kenyan court had cast doubt on the mission’s legality, deeming it unconstitutional to deploy officers abroad without a “reciprocal arrangement” with the host government. President Ruto expressed confidence that a request from Haiti, expected shortly, would meet the court’s requirements, allowing the mission to move forward as early as next week.
President Ruto disclosed that Haiti had formally sought assistance several months ago and reassured that discussions were ongoing to fulfill the necessary requirements. Kenya, known for its involvement in international peacekeeping, pledged 1,000 police officers last July in solidarity with Haiti.
Other nations, including the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica, expressed willingness to assist, with the United States committing $200 million to support the deployment. Emphasizing the humanitarian nature of the mission, President Ruto clarified that it is a police operation rather than a military one.
The United Nations reported a staggering increase in gang violence in Haiti, documenting 4,789 deaths last year—a 119% rise from 2022—and noting an additional 3,000 kidnappings.
