Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has issued an update on the Kenya Police mission to Haiti amid growing concerns.
Koome in a press statement on Saturday, July 6, 2024, said the first batch of 200 police officers that was flagged off on June 24, 2024, had arrived in Port-au-Prince Haiti on June 25, 2024.
Induction training
Upon their arrival, Koome says the team embarked on joint operational, logistical and induction training with their the Haitian National Police counterparts.
“Kenya completed the pre-deployment training for the first contingent of 400 Officers to Haiti Mission and flagged off the first batch of 200 Officers on June 24, 2024.
The team arrived in Port-au-Prince Haiti on 25 June 2024 and embarked on joint operational, logistical and induction training with their the Haitian National Police counterparts,” Koome’s statement reads in part.
Unwavering support
Koome further stated that the Caribbean nation’s Prime Minister Garry Conille has expressed his unwavering support for the team.
He says the Haitian Prime Minister has called for the deployment of additional Kenyan police officers in Haiti.
“The Prime Minister of Haiti, His Excellency Garry Conille while officially welcoming the Kenyan team at their basecamp expressed his unwavering support for the MSS. During the security brief to the UN Security Council this week, H.E. the Prime Minister called for the deployment of additional Kenyan police officers in Haiti, expressing his optimism that MSS team will control the gangs,” the statement reads.
Kenyan police lauded
Moreover, IG Koome has pointed out that Kenya has been lauded for accepting to lead the Mission
“Equally, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, H.E. Maria Isabel Salvador commended Kenya for accepting to lead the Mission, and called upon the international
community to make their financial contributions to the Mission,” the statement reads.
IG Koome went ahead to thank the people of Haiti for offering the Kenyan police officers a warm reception when they landed in the nation.
“As a Service, we want to thank the people of Haiti for their warm reception and support extended to the Kenyan Officers. The National Police Service remains committed to discharging its national and international duties with utmost respect for the rule of law,” IG Koome stated.