Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has clarified that the government will not spend any money on police deployment to Haiti.

Kenya is set to send 1,000 security personnel to the strife-torn Caribbean island.

The says the cost of the mission will be footed by the United Nations.

“Kenya will not spend any money on the deployment of our National Police Service officers to Haiti. The cost of deployment will be catered by the United Nations from the contributions of member states,” Kindiki said in a statement moments after making similar remarks at Kithirune Methodist Church of Kenya in Central Imenti Constituency, Meru County, on October 15, 2023.

While defending the move to allow Kenya’s police to undertake the security mission outside the country, the former Tharaka-Nithi County Senator said such a move will not compromise the ability to ensure security within Kenya.

“Kenya’s participation in the Haiti peacekeeping mission will not in any way compromise or undermine our commitment and responsibility to protect citizens and their property,” he affirmed.

Balancing duties

Kindiki’s docket has had to deal with the regular bandit menace and dangers posed by terrorism. The CS, however, has said the government is keen on balancing these security duties.

“The pursuit of bandits, terrorists, and other armed criminals will continue as the government balances its national and international obligations.

“It is a great honour for Kenya not only to be considered to contribute troops to the peacekeeping mission in Haiti but also to lead the exercise,” he continued.

Although the Haiti mission has faced continued criticism from various quarters, Kindiki is confident the Kenyan police will succeed in restoring peace in Haiti.

“We will succeed in Haiti as we have in previous peacekeeping missions. Chile, Jamaica, Grenada, Burundi, Chad, Nigeria, and Mauritius are among the countries that have confirmed the deployment of their officers to Haiti,” Kindiki stated.

Kindiki’s warning

Meanwhile, the CS also warned political leaders against inciting members of the public to cause chaos.

“The government will not allow meetings convened to insult or incite the public against other leaders. The political issues in Meru County and other parts of the country must be resolved peacefully.

“No political leader of any stature will be permitted to orchestrate, finance, or incite politics of incitement, hooliganism, and violence that result in deaths, injury, and/or destruction of private and public property.

“Political differences or divergent opinions must never result in chaos. The government will apply every skill, weapon, and tactic to deal with livestock rustlers and bandits,” Kindiki stressed.

Apart from warning the political leadership, Kindiki also touched on the insecurity that has been witnessed along the Meru and Isiolo borders.

“Armed criminals at the border of Meru and Isiolo counties engaging in livestock theft will be pursued relentlessly. Out of the 365 animals stolen 48 hours ago, 336 have been recovered.

“Security officers are instructed to not only recover the remaining livestock but also apprehend those behind the theft,” he concluded.