Third team of police officers to arrive from Haiti today

The third contingent of Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission is expected to arrive home on Tuesday night.

The team of more than 200 officers left Haiti on Monday night aboard a Kenya Airways flight and is expected to land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat flew to Haiti to come back with the team.

He was accompanied by other senior officers and were received by those on the ground led by Kenya's Consular General Gabow Noor and local security team.The team is the third to leave Haiti and were part of the MSS mission since June 2024.

The final team is expected to depart by April 15, officials said.

A second team last week arrived in Kenya receiving a hero’s welcome and commendation from the government for their role in restoring stability in the Caribbean nation.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and General Service Unit Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni flew to Haiti to come with the 215 officers whose duty had come to an end.

This marked the official drawdown of the Kenyan personnel from Haiti ahead of the April 15, deadline, officials said.

The mission has now entered a transition and drawdown phase that will see more officers gradually return home from their tour of duty.

Kenya initially deployed the officers to Haiti in June 2024 under a multinational mission aimed at restoring order amid escalating gang violence that had threatened to topple the government.

During their deployment, Kenyan forces played a key role in securing critical infrastructure, including the main airport, hospitals, and major roads.

They also trained more than 2,000 Haitian police officers to continue operations after their departure.

The withdrawal follows disagreements over command of the newly established Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with Kenya declining to continue its involvement after failing to secure leadership assurances.

The mission received strong backing from the US, with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praising Kenyan officers during a visit to Nairobi.

He credited their efforts with stabilising Haiti, warning that the government could have collapsed without their intervention.

Kenya led the Multinational Security Support mission, which later evolved into a more robust anti-gang operation supported with equipment and logistics from international partners.

Despite its successes, the mission recorded casualties, with at least three Kenyan officers killed in the line of duty.

Last week, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo praised the 700 officers for their historic deployment, noting that they answered the call to serve with courage and professionalism.

“It is with great national pride and deep gratitude that we welcome you back home,” he said.“When the call came for Kenya to support efforts to restore peace and stability in Haiti, you stepped forward without hesitation.”

Omollo praised the contingent for their resilience and sacrifice while operating in a complex international security environment, noting that their contribution has enhanced Kenya’s reputation as a leader in peace support operations.

During their deployment, they helped stabilise key areas, protect civilians and secure critical infrastructure in volatile communities.

Omollo described the officers as heroes, thanking them for representing Kenya with honour under difficult and dangerous conditions far from home.

However, the mission came at a cost. Three Kenyan officers lost their lives in the line of duty. A moment of silence was observed in their honour, with the government pledging continued support to their families.

“To the families who lost their loved ones, please know that the Government of Kenya will continue to stand with you,” Omollo said.

The return of the contingent comes as the mission begins a transition phase, with the initial deployment being gradually drawn down.

Despite this shift, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Haiti alongside international partners.

By leading the MSS mission, Kenya has strengthened its position as a key player in global peacekeeping and security efforts, marking a significant step in its expanding international role.

Officials said the progress made in Haiti underscores the importance of sustained international cooperation in addressing complex security challenges.