It has only been four months since Kenya sent its first contingent to Haiti to help quell gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
The mission, which began as a success story for most Haitians, has since been hampered by issues ranging from late pay to insufficient supplies.
According to the New York Times, despite efforts to reduce gang violence, the mission to end the gang rampage appears to have been a case of sour grapes.
Haiti’s ongoing gang violence and governance issues have clearly tainted the mission, which began on a promising note.
In a recent interview with the publication, Kenyan Commander Godfrey Otunge described how the Kenyan contingent was forced to sleep in their vehicles during an anti-gang operation in Gartheier, 20 miles from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
The officers also lacked food, forcing the Haitian National Police (HNP) to share their meals with Kenyan police officers.
However, this did not deter them from fighting the gangs. “Still, we pushed the gangs,” Otunge stated.
Otunge highlighted major challenges faced by officers during the mission, stating that inadequate equipment posed a significant challenge in combating the dreaded gangs.
“What surprised me so much when I came here is how the gangs could dare to attack in broad daylight. How on earth can this happen?” Otunge commented.
Four months into the mission, frustration is growing, with a segment of the Haitian population expressing dissatisfaction with how Kenyan officers are carrying out their operations at a slower pace.
Criminal gangs have seized control of additional towns and blocked three major roads leading to Port-au-Prince.
“They came to help us and we do hope they will help us but we see no difference yet,” lamented a resident of Haiti.
The latest developments come as Kenya prepares to send additional officers to the war-torn country.
During his visit to Haiti, President Ruto promised to send 600 additional officers to the Caribbean country.
“Our next batch, an additional 600, is undergoing redeployment training. We will be mission-ready in a few weeks and look forward to the requisite support to enable their deployment,” Ruto said.
The Head of State also expressed confidence in the Kenyan police, highlighting the significant progress they had made in eradicating the gangs.
“There are many people who thought Haiti was mission impossible, but today they have changed their minds because of the progress you have made,” the president commented.
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