The dining hall at the Police Training College in Embakasi, Nairobi, was alive with a quiet, reverent energy yesterday morning.
It was not the usual training-day bustle, but a welcoming breakfast-cum-luncheon held in honour of the first batch of Kenyan police officers returning from Haiti.
After 18 gruelling months in one of the world’s most dangerous peacekeeping assignments — the Multinational Security Support mission — 230 Kenyan police officers returned home to a heroes’ welcome.
They came back with powerful stories of courage, sacrifice and resilience from the gang-ravaged Haiti.
Their families were not present at this official reception, but the warmth in the room felt familial.
“If I’m to sum it up, that was mission possible. We did everything we could to help restore peace in Haiti. We are confident that it was a job well done,” he said.
He recalled how the Kenyan contingent landed in Port-au-Prince, which tested both their logistics and courage. Many international airlines refused to fly to Haiti due to gang threats, and Kenya Airways stepped in to save the day.
A Kenyan police officer carries a Kenyan flag after disembarking in Haiti to join an expanded multinational force with a mandate to fight gangs, at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti December 8, 2025.
Photo credit: Jean Feguens Regala | Reuters
On arrival, the officers took time to study the terrain, gang movements and crime routes before launching operations. Within days, they were conducting day-and-night patrols to secure the airport that became their base.
Mr Imbiru said that rest was rare, and the threats from gangs were constant. They methodically moved into Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, and reopened highways that had been taken over by gang members who demanded illegal “taxes”.
The Kenyan police freed neighbourhoods that had been paralysed by fear, secured seaports and took control of key installations. This included the police academy at Port Libre.
“When we arrived, gang members were shooting from all directions. We were able to counter that. We were even able to train recruits. That alone is an achievement we are proud of,” Mr Imbiru said.
“The mission was not a walk in the park. It was a battlefield. Casualties were expected, and we thank God that almost all our officers returned home. Had we not been careful, well-trained and efficient, casualties could have been worse,” he said.
He also remembers how Kenyan officers taught their American, Jamaican and Guatemalan colleagues how to cook ugali after a local miller shipped in five tonnes of maize flour.
Mr Imbiru said that language barrier was a challenge, and they faced difficulty in communication after gangs sabotaged internet networks. However, the monthly data bundles arranged from Nairobi enabled the officers to make video calls with their families.
“Service to humanity has no retreat. We flew our flag high. We protected Kenya’s name. And we return, not just as officers, but as experts,” Mr Imbiru said.
“But East or West, home is best,” he said, smiling, as he returned to his seat.
Chief Inspector at General Service Unit Mr Joseph Kiriago commended the officers. He said that in spite of the risks, the officers’ dedication was unwavering.
Another officer from the General Service Unit, Mr Paul Wahonya Otieno, said he was looking forward to seeing his family.
“It is a great honour to be here, especially knowing that many people believed that we would not make it back,” he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who welcomed the officers, said there was a lot of propaganda about the mission.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
National Security Adviser to the President, Ms Monica Juma, described the officers as a “shining light” to the Haitians.
“There was a lot of propaganda and stories about this mission,” he said. “People said a man called ‘Barbecue’ would butcher you. When you left, Kenyans held their breath because of the misinformation and fake news,
“But one month passed… and then all the way to 18 months. You did a fantastic job. On behalf of the people and the Government of Kenya, we are proud of you,” he said.
“Please do not invest your money in betting. Money will whisper to you to take a second wife. I’m not saying it is wrong, because some here are Muslims and their beliefs allow it, but invest wisely in something that can grow,” he said, drawing laughter from the hall.
“When you retire one day, you should be able to say: ‘When I went to Haiti, this investment is what later protected my family and myself.’ You are heroes, and being a hero comes with responsibility.”
CS Murkomen closed by assuring the officers that their expertise would be instrumental in strengthening the Police Service.
“The knowledge you have gained is more than what any classroom could give you. Your future is bright thanks to the experience you bring home. Karibuni sana nyumbani (welcome home),” he said.
National Security Advisor to the President Monica Juma described the officers as a “shining light” to the Haitians.
“There has been gratitude from Haiti itself. You are heroes to the Haitian people. You were a shining light…The US Secretary of State and the President (Donald Trump) thanked Kenya for its professionalism. They said the Gang Suppression Force would not have had a leg to stand on without the Kenyan contingent,” she said.
“The skills and experience you now have will be needed here at home and far beyond. This is not your last mission.”
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Inspector General Douglas Kanja termed the moment “heroic” as he congratulated the officers for what he termed a groundbreaking global security effort.
“You opened roads, seaports and airports. You ensured the rights and freedoms of Haitians were respected. You turned what many thought was mission impossible into a successful operation,” he said.
He assured them their allowances were already being processed and announced that several officers would form part of an After-Action Review team to help reform future police training.
“This was the first mission. More will follow. You have acquired great experience, and it will assist the Service immensely,” the police boss said.
Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat commended the returning officers’ work ethic, sacrifice and delivery in the Caribbean nation.
“We continue to acknowledge the effort and sacrifice these officers gave on behalf of the country and the people of Haiti,” he said.
“Coming from different units and working in perfect harmony has shown us that anything done through a multi-agency approach can succeed,” he said.
Next, DIG Gilbert Masengeli of the Administration Police Service offered a moving reflection of what the mission meant to the Kenyan contingent.
“Today, we welcome home a team that carried the Kenyan flag with honour far beyond our borders. You served with courage, resilience and unwavering professionalism. You are among the finest in the world,” he said.
Kenyan police officers drive past a plane carrying additional Kenyan police officers arriving to join an expanded multinational force with a mandate to fight gangs, at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti December 8, 2025.
Photo credit: Jean Feguens Regala | Reuters
He acknowledged the scars, physical and unseen, that some officers had returned with.
“A brave warrior is not only known by the absence of scars, but by the strength with which he carries them. We also lost valiant officers in the line of duty. Their memories remain in our hearts and in the history of this mission,” he said.
As plates were cleared and the officers finally settled into relaxed conversation- something they had not enjoyed in months- the atmosphere softened into the warmth of belonging. Some laughed quietly. Others stared thoughtfully ahead, still absorbing the magnitude of being home after so long.
Their families will embrace them later, on Friday at the same Police College, but in that Embakasi hall yesterday, surrounded by colleagues who understood every unspoken memory, the officers were already home.
And as SSP Imbiru himself had said, smiling as he returned to his seat,
“East or West, home is best.”
