PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission has denied reports that Kenyan police officers stationed in Haiti are resigning due to unpaid allowances, calling the allegations “inaccurate and malicious.”
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge issued a statement disputing the claims, saying, “All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged.”
The allegations emerged after a foreign news agency reported that nearly 20 Kenyan officers in Haiti had submitted resignations over salary delays and poor working conditions.
However, Otunge emphasized that the officers remain highly motivated and fully committed to supporting the Haitian National Police in restoring order and combating gang violence.
“The MSS remains resolute in its mission to help Haiti reclaim its glory and restore peace and security for its people,” he added.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also weighed in, dismissing the claims on November 5, 2024, and reiterating that the Kenyan officers in Haiti had been fully compensated.
He further noted that conditions in Haiti had improved significantly as a result of the contingent’s efforts.
“The officers on the ground are doing quite well,” Kanja said.
Addressing concerns over funding, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo clarified that the United Nations, not the Kenyan government, is responsible for the officers’ payments.
“The Kenyan team is part of the United Nations multi-support team in Haiti, and its term of engagement is well defined on who is paying for that support,” Omollo explained.
Commander Otunge urged media outlets to verify information with the MSS before publishing reports to avoid misinformation.
“We urge all stakeholders to seek clarification directly from the MSS. Our doors remain open for transparent communication,” he said.
Kenya’s contingent in Haiti forms part of a broader multinational mission aimed at assisting the Haitian National Police in tackling rampant gang violence, which has displaced over 20,000 people in recent months.
The MSS has maintained its focus on stabilizing the country as Haiti grapples with a prolonged crisis.
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge issued a statement disputing the claims, saying, “All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged.”
The allegations emerged after a foreign news agency reported that nearly 20 Kenyan officers in Haiti had submitted resignations over salary delays and poor working conditions.
However, Otunge emphasized that the officers remain highly motivated and fully committed to supporting the Haitian National Police in restoring order and combating gang violence.
“The MSS remains resolute in its mission to help Haiti reclaim its glory and restore peace and security for its people,” he added.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also weighed in, dismissing the claims on November 5, 2024, and reiterating that the Kenyan officers in Haiti had been fully compensated.
He further noted that conditions in Haiti had improved significantly as a result of the contingent’s efforts.
“The officers on the ground are doing quite well,” Kanja said.
Addressing concerns over funding, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo clarified that the United Nations, not the Kenyan government, is responsible for the officers’ payments.
“The Kenyan team is part of the United Nations multi-support team in Haiti, and its term of engagement is well defined on who is paying for that support,” Omollo explained.
Commander Otunge urged media outlets to verify information with the MSS before publishing reports to avoid misinformation.
“We urge all stakeholders to seek clarification directly from the MSS. Our doors remain open for transparent communication,” he said.
Kenya’s contingent in Haiti forms part of a broader multinational mission aimed at assisting the Haitian National Police in tackling rampant gang violence, which has displaced over 20,000 people in recent months.
The MSS has maintained its focus on stabilizing the country as Haiti grapples with a prolonged crisis.
