On Monday, December 8, a fifth batch of 230 Kenyan police officers arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to reinforce security operations under the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The contingent, consisting of highly trained specialized officers, touched down at Toussaint Louverture International Airport alongside Joseph Boinett, Kenya’s Deputy National Security Advisor to President William Ruto.
They were received by Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council President, Laurent Saint-Cyr, and other senior Haitian officials.
The arrival of the new team coincides with the scheduled return of 100 Kenyan police officers who have completed their one-and-a-half-year mission in the Caribbean nation, marking a rotation of personnel in the ongoing peacekeeping and anti-gang effort.
Speaking shortly after the new officers landed, Boinett conveyed greetings from President Ruto to the Haitian people and leadership, reiterating Kenya’s commitment to supporting Haiti in achieving peace and stability during this transitional period. He also expressed gratitude to the departing officers for their exemplary service and dedication to the GSF mandate.
GSF Commander Godfrey Otunge welcomed the incoming contingent, noting that their deployment comes at a crucial time and will strengthen the ongoing efforts to restore security and accelerate progress in Haiti.
Boinett highlighted that the new officers had undergone rigorous training and are committed to upholding international human rights standards and a strict code of conduct while working alongside Haitian authorities, including the Haitian National Police and military, to combat gang activity.
This latest development follows President Ruto’s statement on December 5 in the United States, where he reaffirmed Kenya’s continued engagement in Haiti and thanked the U.S. administration for mobilizing support to bolster the mission against the gang violence that has long hindered the country’s development.