The first team of Kenyan police officers who had been deployed to Haiti to suppress criminal gangs there arrived back in Nairobi after the completion of their mission.
The team had completed 18 months in Haiti where they confronted gangs that wanted to take over Port-au-Prince.
Kenyan officers first arrived in June 2024, marking the launch of the earlier Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
Since then, four additional rotations have supported joint operations with the PNH, particularly in the West and Artibonite Departments—areas heavily affected by gang activity.
The first contingent, comprising 400 officers, and the second, made up of 200 personnel, were drawn from a cross-section of elite Kenyan police units, including the General Service Unit (GSU), the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) of the Administration Police.
Their professionalism and discipline have been widely recognized by both Haitian authorities and international partners.
The officers’ return follows a new UNSC resolution transitioning the UN mission into a specialized Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
On Thursday December 4, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the role the Kenyan team has played in stabilizing the country. This was after he met president Ruto in Washington DC to discuss the team’s operations among other issues.
On Monday, the Kenyan-led Gang Suppression Force (GSF) received a major boost with the arrival of a fifth contingent of 230 specialized police officers.
The team reinforced international efforts to restore security in Haiti amid ongoing gang violence even as more than 100 others departed Port-au-Prince after completing their tour.
The leaving team arrived in Nairobi Tuesday evening and was welcomed by top police commanders.
They were accompanied by Kenya’s Consul General to Haiti Noor Gabow and deputy national security adviser Joseph Boinnet.
Since their deployment, at least three police officers have been killed in separate incidents in Haiti.
The other officers returned safely after distinguished service under the Multi-National Security Support Mission, now known as the Gang Suppression Force.
Their homecoming is a proud moment for the service and the country, police headquarters said.
Key achievements of the mission include enhanced stability in Haiti, restored freedom of movement, the reopening of key road networks, and significant progress in training the Haitian Police, authorities said.
“The Kenyan officers maintained exemplary discipline, upholding strict human rights standards,” said Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Eliud Lagat.
Lagat praised the officers’ integrity, honour, and professionalism, noting that the experience gained will further strengthen policing standards and operational excellence within Kenya.
His APS counterpart Gilbert Masengeli commended the contingent for their honourable service and extended gratitude to all supporting partners for their steadfast support.
National Security Advisor Monica Juma lauded the contingent as “a promise kept,” referencing the commitment made during the pre-deployment briefing on June 24, 2024.
She recognised their distinction in representing Kenya internationally and announced upcoming reintegration and wellness programmes to ensure a smooth transition back to duty.
Earlier on, speaking at Toussaint Louverture International Airport during the official reception ceremony, GSF Force Commander Godfrey Otunge hailed the deployment as a strong signal of Kenya’s long-term commitment to stabilizing Haiti and supporting the Haitian National Police (PNH).
“Kenya stands with Haiti—for as long as it takes—until peace prevails,” Otunge said, emphasizing that the new contingent arrives after the expansion of the GSF mandate on October 3, 2025.
The deployment brings the total number of Kenyan officers serving in Haiti to more than 700, making Kenya the largest contributor to the multinational security mission.
He noted that the transition from MSS to the newly established GSF had initially raised concerns among observers and gang networks, who expected a leadership vacuum.
“Instead,” he said, “the GSF has emerged more focused, better coordinated, and better resourced.”
The ceremony also highlighted the role of other contributing countries, including The Bahamas, Jamaica, El Salvador, and Guatemala, which have pledged continued support to strengthen the GSF.
Addressing the Haitian public directly, Otunge urged citizens to remain hopeful and assured them that the mission would continue until security is fully restored and conditions allow for “free, fair, and credible national elections.”
“We will win this fight. We will defeat those who have held communities hostage for far too long,” he said, calling on gang members to surrender and submit to state authority.
The arrival of the fifth Kenyan contingent marks the latest phase in the international effort to strengthen Haiti’s security institutions as the country continues to battle entrenched gang networks, chronic instability, and a longstanding humanitarian crisis.
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