Kenya Completes Landmark Police Mission in Haiti as Final Officers Return Home
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday officially oversaw the departure of the last group of Kenyan police officers from Haiti.
The ceremony took place at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, marking the end of Kenya’s significant contribution to the international security effort in the Caribbean nation. The Kenyan contingent has now fully withdrawn as the operation transitions to a new local force focused on maintaining stability.
Kenya first sent its officers to Haiti in June 2024, with the initial group of 200 personnel arriving on June 25. The country had committed up to 1,000 officers but ultimately deployed 730 due to logistical challenges. As the lead nation in the mission, Kenya worked alongside police from several other countries including the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica. Additional support came from nations such as the United States, France, Germany, South Korea, and Japan. The deployment lasted over 18 months and was carried out under United Nations Security Council approval.
During their time in Haiti, the Kenyan officers played a key role in helping to restore order, protect important public facilities, and support the gradual return of normal services. Their efforts contributed to improved security conditions that allowed a peaceful handover of government leadership earlier this year on February 7, 2026. Murkomen noted that many Haitian families are now returning to their homes and daily economic activities are slowly picking up again. He described the mission as a success, stating that Haiti is steadily regaining stability.
Murkomen paid special tribute to three Kenyan officers who lost their lives while serving in Haiti: APC Samuel Tomoi Kaetuai, APC Benedict Kabiru, and Corporal Kennedy Nzuve. He also addressed past reports of alleged misconduct by some officers, confirming that Kenya took every complaint seriously and conducted proper investigations. As the final officers boarded flights back home, local residents showed their gratitude, with some even attempting to stop the Kenyans from leaving. The successful completion of this mission highlights Kenya’s growing role in international peace and security efforts.
