Police Deployment to Undergo Parliamentary Approval

By Moffat Ratemo

Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, has announced that the government will seek parliamentary approval before deploying Kenyan police officers to Haiti. This decision follows growing public concern and remarks by Azimio Chief Raila Amolo Odinga, emphasizing the need for parliamentary oversight in this matter.

Speaking at a church event in Kiambu County, Secretary Kindiki addressed the issue, stating, “The government is committed to adhering to our constitutional processes. We will present this matter before Parliament for approval. Both the Senate and the National Assembly should be prepared for this discussion. We prioritize upholding the rule of law and transparency in our actions. Rest assured, we will send our police officers to Haiti without compromising Kenya’s security.”

Kenya has received approval from the United Nations (UN) to lead an international force tasked with restoring order in Haiti, a country plagued by a surge in violent crimes, including killings, rapes, and kidnappings perpetrated by criminal gangs.

As part of its commitment, Kenya has proposed sending approximately 1,000 police officers to participate in the peacekeeping mission. Several other nations, including Jamaica, have also pledged to deploy personnel to support the mission in Haiti.

Notably, last month, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden pledged substantial logistical support and $100 million in funding to bolster the Kenyan-led international force’s efforts to restore stability and security to Haiti.