Some 400 police officers left Kenya on Tuesday, June 25, for Haiti, in South America, where they will be fighting against gang violence that has taken over parts of the country’s capital.
The contingent of 400 officers is part of the 1,000 that Kenya is expected to send to lead the United Nations peacekeeping force in Haiti, where powerful gangs have rendered the state ungovernable since 2021.
There are media reports that the gangs have committed crimes including killings, kidnappings, and sexual crimes.
According to the Associated Press, Kenya’s deployment is controversial as President William Ruto of Kenya is “defying a court’s ruling, calling it unconstitutional.”
In a send-off ceremony held behind closed doors on Monday, June 24, the Kenyan President reminded the officers of their obligations.
“We have mediated many conflicts and are currently engaged in resolving more. Don’t let down the confidence the people of Kenya and the international community have in you.”
According to media reports, gang violence has killed and injured more than 25,000 people in the last three months in Haiti.
Despite officers heading to the Caribbean to do good, at home the country is faced with a nationwide protest against a finance bill tabled in Parliament that will see a 16 percent value-added tax on bread and a 25 percent excise duty on raw and refined cooking oil.
On Tuesday, Al Jazeera reported that, owing to the protest, one person was killed as police opened fire on angry demonstrators.
Meanwhile, at least 200 people have been reported injured, while over 100 are said to have been arrested.
President Ruto said on Sunday he was ready to hold negotiation talks with the protesters.
