NAIROBI, Kenya — The first group of Kenyan police officers returning from an 18-month deployment in Haiti will be honoured during this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, marking the end of their service in the troubled Caribbean nation.
Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja announced on Wednesday that the officers would join the ceremonial march at Uhuru Gardens, allowing Kenyans to publicly recognise their contribution under the Multinational Security Support Mission, now known as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
“The people of Kenya should take note that you have gone to Haiti and you are back. You have been away for 18 months, and you are now back,” Kanja said. “This parade will show that these officers are sound, strong, and ready to serve our motherland.”
The officers arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday, completing their duties of providing stability and security in a country plagued by gang violence.
A HEROIC HOMECOMING FOR NPS OFFICERS FROM HAITIThe National Police Service proudly welcomes home the first contingent of Kenyan police officers, following their successful 18-month peacekeeping mission in Haiti. This historic homecoming highlights Kenya’s unwavering commitment
Their successors, another team of 230 officers, landed on Sunday and have already taken over ongoing operations.
Ahead of the national celebrations, the returnees were welcomed at Embakasi A Campus, where they underwent a comprehensive debrief and received a formal reception from the National Police Service (NPS).
Senior officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and National Security Advisor Monica Juma, attended the ceremony.
Kanja commended the officers for maintaining discipline and respect for human rights despite operating in a volatile environment.
“I am happy that you ensured the rights of those people were maintained,” he said, highlighting the team’s role in stabilising communities affected by gang violence.
Monica Juma praised the officers’ collaboration with other Kenyan security agencies, describing the mission as a testament to the power of teamwork.
“We are delighted. I sincerely thank all of you for your contribution to the Republic in restoring peace and order,” she said.
Deputy IG Eliud Lagat also acknowledged the officers’ dedication, saying, “You have made us proud as a country and as a service. You have served diligently in Haiti.”
Senior Superintendent Clappeton Imbiru, who held a leadership role during the mission, described Haiti as a country facing severe instability, with gangs controlling large areas and civilians living under constant threat.
Kenyan officers protected key facilities, including airports and police academies, ensuring training operations could continue safely.
“The mission was accomplished because we pushed security forward in Haiti, and our presence was greatly appreciated by the local population,” Imbiru said.
He urged Kenyans to value the peace and security they enjoy at home, noting, “Small crimes can grow into large problems if ignored, as we saw in Haiti.”
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting security reforms in Haiti, with the newly deployed team continuing operations under the expanded Gang Suppression Force mandate.
GSF Force Commander Godfrey Otunge said the reinforcement underscores Kenya’s resolve to stand with Haiti “for as long as it takes, until peace prevails.”
Haitian authorities welcomed the additional officers, noting the urgent need for support to secure supply routes, protect communities, and maintain humanitarian access amid ongoing instability.
The United Nations has reported over 3,100 deaths in Haiti in the first six months of 2025 due to gang violence and unrest.
The returning officers will proceed on leave after the Jamhuri Day celebrations, reuniting with their families after nearly a year and a half of service abroad.
