Nairobi: Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti has achieved success, despite initial opposition and criticism faced during the deployment of forces.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murkomen highlighted that the Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti have successfully managed to control criminal gangs and restore order in the city. Speaking after a security meeting in Garissa with top police officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglus Kanja, DIG - Administration police Gilbert Masengeli, and the director of criminal investigations Mohamed Amin, Murkomen noted that fears of significant casualties among the officers were unfounded.
Murkomen emphasized the accomplishments of the officers, stating, "Officers have secured critical infrastructures in Haiti, they have secured the airports, police headquarters, and communication masts and for the first time the Haitian children did their national examinations successfully."
He further added that the mission involved only a portion of the 2,500 promised forces, with Kenya contributing over 700 police officers. Murkomen expressed optimism that with increased support from development partners and friends, the mission could secure the entire country.
Furthermore, Murkomen mentioned that President William Ruto, currently attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, will seek additional support for the Haiti mission as its mandate approaches expiration.
The CS also expressed regret over the loss of three police officers during the mission, including Benedict Kabiru, who disappeared on March 25, 2025, during an ambush along the Carrefour Paye-Savien supply route in the Artibonite Department. Murkomen assured that the officer's family has been informed and further details will be released by the Inspector General of Police.
Kenya began deploying officers to Haiti in 2024 to lead an international effort aimed at restoring stability in the gang-affected Caribbean nation.