President William Ruto has praised Kenyan police officers who served in Haiti, saying they demonstrated professionalism, dedication and personal sacrifice while helping protect civilians from armed gangs.
Speaking during a flag handover ceremony for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Embakasi, Nairobi County, on Friday, Ruto thanked the officers for their service and formally received the Kenyan flag following the completion of their deployment.
The ceremony came after the officers had already returned to Kenya following the conclusion of the country’s participation in the Haiti mission.
The President recalled commissioning the Kenyan contingent from the same grounds more than two years ago, saying the officers had been sent in the spirit of solidarity with the Haitian people to help address the country’s severe security challenges.
“Distinguished members of the Kenya-Haiti contingent, good morning. On these very grounds, two and a bit years ago, I commissioned you to go to Haiti in the spirit of solidarity with its people, at their request, to assist the country in managing its security challenges.”
The first Kenyan police contingent was flagged off on June 24, 2024, with the initial group departing for Haiti on June 25. Kenya had committed to sending about 1,000 officers in phases, with the first 400 officers forming the initial contingent. The first officers arrived in Port-au-Prince on June 25, 2024.
The deployment followed United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699, adopted on October 2, 2023, which authorised the Kenya-led MSS mission to support the Haitian National Police in tackling gang violence and restoring security. Kenya and Haiti subsequently signed a reciprocal security agreement on March 1, 2024, clearing a key legal hurdle to the deployment.
Before the officers left, then Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said Kenya had entered the pre-deployment stage and that the necessary legal and operational frameworks had been put in place.
He said Kenyan officers would form part of a multinational security operation, with Kenya serving as the lead nation.
Then Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome also assured Haitian officials of Kenya’s commitment to the mission shortly before deployment. During a meeting with a Haitian police delegation in Nairobi on June 18, 2024, Koome said the National Police Service remained committed to working with Haiti for the benefit of its people, particularly women and children.
Haitian police official Joachim Prohete, who led the delegation, told Koome that Haiti was counting on Kenya’s support as the country battled powerful armed gangs.
The security situation confronting the officers was severe. More than 360,000 people had been displaced by gang violence before the deployment, while gangs controlled large parts of Port-au-Prince. Reports at the time indicated that more than 80% of the capital was under gang control.
Against that background, Ruto said Kenya had received positive reports about the conduct of its officers.
“I proudly say, on behalf of the people of Kenya, our gratitude, our very special thanks for standing shoulder to shoulder with one another, protecting the children, women, and the people of Haiti from Violence from gangs, and we have received reports-very, very positive reports-of your mission,” he said.
The Head of State maintained that he had followed the mission through its commander, the Inspector General of Police and other police leaders.
“I kept abreast through your commander and through the Inspector General of Police and the leadership of the police on your mission, and I proudly say, on behalf of the people of Kenya, you did a wonderful and phenomenal job! Congratulations,” Ruto said.
Kenya's deployment expanded beyond the initial group. The National Police Service later sent additional contingents, including 217 officers who arrived in Haiti in January 2025. By the end of the mission, Kenya had deployed hundreds of officers in successive rotations.
The mission was also not without danger. Kenyan police officer Samuel Kaetuai, 28, was killed by suspected gang members on February 23, 2025 while on patrol in Haiti's Artibonite region. He was the first Kenyan officer reported killed during the mission.
The National Police Service later reported that returning officers had supported the Haitian National Police, secured critical infrastructure and participated in efforts to dismantle gang networks. Officers also helped secure roads and facilities and support humanitarian operations.
As he received the flag back, the President acknowledged the sacrifices made by the officers and their families.
“As I receive the flag back to Kenya, your distinguished service in the police service in Kenya and in your mission in Haiti speaks to the professionalism, the dedication, the commitment, and your personal sacrifice that you have made to discharge this responsibility that I gave to you,” he said.
He welcomed the officers home and wished them success as they resumed their careers.
“Welcome back home, your families, Kenya. Welcome you back home, and I wish each and every one of you the very best in your careers going forward.”
Kenya's participation marked one of its most significant international police deployments, with the country taking a leading role in an effort aimed at helping Haiti restore security and strengthen the capacity of its national police force.