The United Nations Security Council approved the deployment of a multinational force on October 2, with Kenya leading the mission. However, the deployment has been suspended by the Kenyan judiciary until October 24, due to a challenge by the opposition stating that the deployment is unconstitutional.
Criticism has been mounting in Kenya since the UN vote. Some believe that there are other pressing security priorities within the country, while others doubt the ability of Kenyan police officers to operate in an unfamiliar environment and a country where they do not speak the language.
President William Ruto addressed these concerns, dismissing them as “misconceptions.” He highlighted Kenya’s experience in foreign peacekeeping missions and emphasized that Kenyan police officers would not be alone in Haiti.
The Kenyan Interior Minister has also defended the deployment, calling it an “immense honor for Kenya.” He stated that Nairobi would not finance the mission, as it is the responsibility of UN member states. He further explained to a parliamentary committee that the suspension of deployment by the court does not impede the ongoing preparations.
The deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti has been approved by the government, but the request still needs to be presented to Parliament for validation this week. A team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also engage with the United Nations on this matter.