Haiti residents protest Kenyan police exit after completion of mission

A section of civilians in Haiti staged protests to oppose the planned exit of Kenyan police under the Multinational Security Support (MSS).

The last team of 200 officers is expected to leave by April 30, 2026.

Kenyan police officers were deployed to Port au-Prince in June 2024 to help combat criminal gangs that had threatened the capital city.

Since then, 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 20, 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.

“To the families who lost their loved ones, please know that the Government of Kenya will continue to stand with you,” Omollo said.

The return of the contingent comes as the mission begins a transition phase, with the initial deployment being gradually drawn down.

Despite this shift, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Haiti alongside international partners.
By leading the MSS mission, Kenya has strengthened its position as a key player in global peacekeeping and security efforts, marking a significant step in its expanding international role.
Officials said the progress made in Haiti underscores the importance of sustained international cooperation in addressing complex security challenges.