Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti under the United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support mission are facing extreme hardship.
Recent reports indicate that many are sleeping on bare floors in unhygienic conditions, struggling to access basic necessities. Disturbing images have emerged showing officers lying on thin mattresses or directly on the floor in cramped spaces, with their belongings scattered across the floor.
The situation has sparked concerns over whether proper arrangements were made before sending them on this mission.
An anonymous officer revealed that the conditions in Haiti are far from what they expected. They described a situation where some officers have to work without proper meals and endure poor hygiene.
The officer shared that many are forced to sleep on the floor because of inadequate accommodations. The harsh living conditions have made it difficult for them to focus on their mission, and morale among the officers is reportedly very low.
Beyond the poor living conditions, officers have raised concerns about other challenges, including leadership failures, delayed salaries, and a lack of proper equipment. Some officers claim that their superiors are mismanaging resources, with reports emerging that senior commanders are using mission supplies for personal errands.
These allegations, coupled with growing frustration over favoritism in duty assignments, have left many questioning whether their deployment was well-planned.
The situation has been further worsened by logistical failures, with reports that some officers survive on only one meal a day. Proper bedding is also lacking, forcing them to sleep in uncomfortable conditions after long hours of work.
These difficulties have made it hard for the officers to perform their duties effectively, leading to growing dissatisfaction.Safety remains a major concern, especially following the recent deaths of two Kenyan officers.
Police Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai was killed on February 23, 2025, during an anti-gang operation, while Police Corporal Benedict Kabiru Kuria was ambushed and killed on March 25, 2025, in the Lower Artibonite region.
Their deaths have intensified concerns about the mission’s safety, with officers now questioning whether they have adequate protection. Some have reported that the armored vehicles they use have serious defects, making them vulnerable to attacks.
Financial struggles are also an issue, as some officers have not received their salaries and allowances since January 2025. Many of them rely on this money to support their families back home, and the delays have added to their frustration.
Some officers feel abandoned and unappreciated despite risking their lives in one of the world’s most dangerous environments.
Another growing concern is the favoritism in assigning duties. Some officers reportedly receive less risky tasks while others are constantly sent on dangerous operations.
This has led to allegations that personal connections influence who gets which assignments, further damaging morale among the officers.
The deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti was supposed to be a crucial step in helping restore stability to the troubled nation. However, the unfolding situation paints a picture of poor planning, mismanagement, and neglect.
The Kenyan government now faces pressure to ensure that its officers receive the necessary support and protection to carry out their duties effectively. If the current situation continues, it could lead to serious consequences, both for the mission and for the welfare of the officers involved.
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