Kenya deployed a fifth contingent of police officers to Haiti, reinforcing the multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF) as it intensifies operations against armed gangs in the country’s most volatile regions.
The 230-member team arrived Monday at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, where they were received by GSF Force Commander Otunge, Haitian officials, diplomats, and international partners.
The new group brings the number of Kenyan officers serving in Haiti to more than 700, making Kenya the largest contributor to the GSF.
In his remarks, Commander Godfrey Otunge said the deployment comes at a critical moment following the expanded GSF mandate issued on 3 October 2025.
He emphasized that Kenya remains firmly committed to the mission.
“Kenya stands with Haiti—for as long as it takes—until peace prevails,” he said.
He noted that since Kenya’s first contingent arrived in June 2025, Kenyan officers have worked closely with the Haitian National Police (PNH) in intelligence-led operations, particularly in the West and Artibonite Departments.
He said the transition from the former Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to the new GSF has resulted in a “more focused, better coordinated, and better resourced” security force.
During the ceremony, Otunge also bid farewell to roughly 100 officers from the inaugural Kenyan contingent who are rotating out after completing their mission. He praised them for their service, saying they had demonstrated “honour, resilience, and unwavering commitment.”
Outunge acknowledged the support of other countries participating in the mission, including The Bahamas, Jamaica, El Salvador, and Guatemala, and thanked international partners for financial and equipment contributions aimed at ramping up GSF operations.
He also paid tribute to PNH and GSF officers who have died while on duty, calling their sacrifice a solemn reminder of the cost of restoring stability in Haiti.
Addressing the Haitian public, Otunge urged citizens not to lose hope.
“We will win this fight. There will be no refuge for those who terrorize innocent communities. The only door open to them is the door of surrender,” he said.
The arrival of Kenya’s fifth contingent underscores growing momentum behind the GSF as Haiti continues efforts to stabilize the capital, reclaim gang-controlled areas, and lay the groundwork for future national elections.
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.
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 recognised by both Haitian authorities and international partners.
The officers’ return follows a new UNSC resolution transitioning the UN mission into a specialised 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
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