A fifth contingent of Kenyan police officers has arrived in Haiti as part of the UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission, reinforcing efforts to curb rampant gang violence ahead of long-delayed national elections. The 230 newly deployed officers join more than 700 Kenyan personnel already stationed on the island, working alongside Haiti’s National Police and units contributed by Jamaica, Guatemala, El Salvador, and other partner nations. Kenya is the lead nation in the mission, which was authorized by the UN Security Council in 2023 to help stabilize Haiti amid spiraling insecurity.
Gang Suppression Force commander Godfrey Otunge, welcoming the officers at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, said their arrival comes at a crucial time. The mission received an expanded mandate on 3 October 2025, allowing for broader operations against heavily armed gangs that control large parts of Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions. “We have enabled well-synchronized operations that have dealt significant blows to the gangs tormenting this nation,” Otunge said, praising the cooperation between Haitian and international forces.
About 100 Kenyan officers from the first deployment will now be rotated out, as part of the mission’s regular personnel cycle. The security boost comes as Haiti’s transitional presidential council recently adopted a long-awaited electoral law, paving the way for the first general elections in nearly ten years. The move allows the government to finally release a formal electoral calendar — a key demand of both Haitian civil society and international partners.
Political tensions remain high, with some council members calling for the removal of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. Among them is Fritz Alphonse Jean, himself facing recent U.S. sanctions. Otunge emphasized that restoring stability remains the mission’s top priority. “We will not rest until our shared goal is achieved: a secure Haiti capable of conducting free, fair, and credible national elections,” he said. He added a firm warning to Haiti’s armed groups: “There will be no refuge left for those who choose to oppress and terrorize the innocent.”
