A total of 150 Kenyan police officers departed Haiti as the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission continued with a gradual drawdown and transition to a new security framework.
The team was expected to land in Nairobi on Tuesday night.
The drawdown comes in line with a United Nations Security Council resolution that is guiding the shift from the MSS mission to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), marking a new phase in efforts to stabilise the Caribbean nation.
On April 20, 2026, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, visited Kenyan officers stationed in Haiti to assess ongoing operations and oversee the transition process.
Masengeli was received by MSS Contingent Commander Godfrey Otunge, alongside senior officials including US Chargé d’Affaires in Haiti David Howell, Kenya’s Consular General to Haiti Noor Gabow, and Kenya’s Deputy Ambassador to the United States Robert Wasike.
He later flew back to Kenya with 150 officers who have been serving at the mission.
Kenya sent its police officers to Haiti in June 2024 to help fight criminal gangs that were threatening the country’s stability.
During a brief ceremony at the MSS Operational Base, Masengeli was briefed on the mission’s activities, key achievements, and the progress of the ongoing drawdown. The Kenya-led force has been credited with helping to restore a degree of order and stability in parts of Haiti plagued by gang violence.
Masengeli commended the officers for their service, noting their contribution to peace and security over nearly two years of deployment.
He also conveyed a message of goodwill from the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, and the people of Kenya.
Senior officers present at the ceremony included General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, and Recce Company Commanding Officer William Sawe.
The departure of the 150 officers signals the beginning of a phased withdrawal as the mission transitions into a new structure aimed at sustaining gains made in combating gang activity in Haiti.
A section of civilians in Haiti staged protests to oppose the exit of Kenyan police under the MSS.
The officers who were joined by dozens others from neighboring countries like Guatemala and Jamaica managed to reopen the main port, hospital and highways that were under control of criminal gangs. They also opened the main police college there and trained hundreds of officers on policing.
A decision to withdraw the Kenyan team was reached in 2025 after a disagreement on the leadership of a newly established Gang Suppression Force that took over from MSS.
On Sunday April 19, some locals staged a protest expressing dissatisfaction over the move to withdraw the Kenyan team.
In a video seen, the civilians blocked the movement of Kenyan officers to St. Marks and Pont Sonde, protesting their planned departure.
Helicopters were called and used to carry the officers out of Petite Rivière and Pont Sonde as protesters barricaded roads to block the Kenyan police officers from leaving.
The exit of the Kenyan troops gives room for the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), approved by the United Nations Security Council in October 2025.
The new GSF will be led by Chadian forces. The first batch of Chadian police arrived in Haiti early April for the peace operation. They will take over the leadership of GSF.
Jack Christofides, a South African U.N. official will lead the GSF mission, taking over from Kenya’s Godfrey Otunge, who led the MSS mission.
Christofides, who has overseen various peacekeeping operations in Africa, was appointed as Special Representative of the GSF late last year.
Despite its successes, the mission recorded casualties, with at least three Kenyan officers killed in the line of duty.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo lauded the returning officers for their historic deployment, noting that they answered the call to serve with courage and professionalism. “It is with great national pride and deep gratitude that we welcome you back home,” he said.
“When the call came for Kenya to support efforts to restore peace and stability in Haiti, you stepped forward without hesitation.” Dr. Omollo lauded the contingent for their resilience and sacrifice while operating in a complex international security environment, noting that their contribution has enhanced Kenya’s reputation as a leader in peace support operations.
During their deployment, they helped stabilize key areas, protect civilians, and secure critical infrastructure in volatile communities. Omollo described the officers as heroes, thanking them for representing Kenya with honor under difficult and dangerous conditions far from home.
However, the mission came at a cost. Three Kenyan officers lost their lives in the line of duty. A moment of silence was observed in their honor, with the government pledging continued support to their families.
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