Ruto and Biden Scramble to Justify Kenya’s Police Mission in Haiti(Video)
Kenya’s plan to send police officers to Haiti has been steeped in controversy and intense debate since its announcement in October 2023.
In the face of growing opposition and doubt, Presidents Joe Biden of the United States and William Ruto of Kenya aimed to clarify the mission’s purpose during a joint press conference at the White House on Thursday evening.
Biden emphasized the geopolitical complications of deploying U.S. troops to neighboring Haiti, which required an alternative solution. “Deploying our forces in the hemisphere raises numerous questions that could easily be misinterpreted about our intentions,” Biden explained.
He continued, “We sought to identify a partner or partners to lead this effort, allowing us to participate by providing supplies and ensuring they have what they need, rather than deploying American forces.”
The U.S. has pledged to support the mission through logistics, intelligence, and equipment, without deploying troops. Biden’s administration has committed significant financial support, with $300 million allocated for the initiative. “We are committed to supporting this collective effort,” Biden added, underscoring the U.S.’s role in facilitating the mission.
Kenya’s involvement in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti marks a notable shift from its traditional focus on regional African interventions. Defending the decision, Ruto underscored Kenya’s dedication to global peace and security. “Kenya’s participation in Haiti is about the peace and security of humanity,” Ruto stated.
Ruto refuted allegations that the US pressured Kenya into sending troops, asserting, “The US cannot compel Kenya to join the Haiti mission. As president of Kenya, that decision is mine to make. It is the Kenyan people who commit their troops through their structures.”
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He added, “It is the people of Kenya who decided to engage in this mission in the interest of promoting peace and stability as a responsible global citizen.”
The proposed deployment has ignited fierce debate within Kenya’s Parliament and courts. Critics question the wisdom of dispatching 1,000 police officers to Haiti amid Kenya’s security issues. This mission is Kenya’s first peacekeeping effort outside Africa and involves police rather than military troops, adding to the controversy.
Nonetheless, Ruto affirmed that Kenya’s global responsibilities remain intact. “I promised the people of Kenya that I would address insecurity in the North Rift,” he noted, detailing ongoing efforts to restore stability and reopen schools in the region. “But this does not negate our responsibility to contribute to global peace.”
According to the UN, over 2,500 people were killed or injured from January to March, and at least 95,000 people have fled the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Ruto and Biden Scramble to Justify Kenya’s Police Mission in Haiti(Video)
