The National Police Service (NPS) has honoured officers who returned from the Haiti Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), now known as the Gang Suppression Force, during a luncheon and debrief ceremony held Wednesday at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus.
The event brought together senior police leadership, government officials and officers from the first two contingents deployed to Haiti in 2024.
The officers served under the Kenyan flag for 18 months, supporting efforts to stabilise the Caribbean nation amid widespread gang violence.
According to NPS, Contingents One and Two—drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Border Patrol Unit (BPU)—were deployed in June and July 2024 after completing a 10-week pre-deployment course.
The teams secured key infrastructure, including Haiti’s main airport, seaport, road network and major transport corridors, within their first month on the ground.
Officials said the operations enabled safe civilian movement and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.
Their presence also revived the country’s police academy and armed forces college, both of which had been disrupted by gang activity.
The communiqué noted that “forward operating bases were set up in high-risk zones, restoring peace and stability in areas previously beset by gang violence.”
A third contingent, which included women officers, advanced protection for women and children while promoting gender inclusivity.
Authorities reported that schools, hospitals and transport services have since reopened in affected regions, marking what they described as a gradual return to normalcy.
Throughout the deployment, Kenya recorded no cases of misconduct. The NPS stated that the absence of sexual exploitation and human rights violations underscored the country’s “zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and strict adherence to international standards.”
Speaking as the chief guest, Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen praised the officers for representing the country with distinction.
“Your discipline, sacrifice and integrity have earned Kenya respect on the global peace and security stage,” he said.
He added that despite early “misinformation and propaganda” surrounding the deployment, the teams’ performance had proven Kenya’s capability and commitment to international peace.
Murkomen urged the officers to apply their operational experience to strengthen domestic policing, describing their contribution in Haiti as exemplary.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also commended the contingents for their work in rehabilitating public facilities and restoring livelihoods.
He said the reopening of roads, hospitals, schools and businesses was evidence of Kenya’s impact on the ground.
“We pay tribute to the fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for humanity,” he said, emphasising the need for financial prudence as returning officers reintegrate.
Kanja reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to officer welfare, mental wellness and professional growth, stressing that “no officer is left behind.”
The event was attended by senior officials, including National Security Advisor Ambassador Dr. Monica Juma, Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat and Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli.
NPS stated that Kenya remains committed to supporting the Haitian people, noting that the officers’ conduct abroad reflects “our compassion, discipline, and sense of duty.”
