Members of a Kenyan police force, part of a new security mission, stand at the airport after disembarking, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti June 25, 2024.
The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) in Haiti has denied reports that members of its Kenyan contingent have tendered their resignations over delayed payment of allowances.
Reuters exclusively reported on Friday December 6 that 20 officers, part of a 400-strong team deployed to the troubled Caribbean nation, had tendered their resignations two months ago over salary delays.
The report also said the officers have not received a response to their letters and continue to serve in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, according to three officers who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.
But MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge strongly denied the allegations, describing them as "inaccurate and malicious".
“The reports, initially attributed to Reuters News, alleged dissatisfaction among MSS personnel deployed in Haiti. The MSS categorically refutes these claims, the information being disseminated is both inaccurate and malicious,” Mr Otunge stated.
According to the MSS, all personnel have received their salaries and monthly allowances in full, and no officer has tendered his resignation as alleged.
The force emphasised that its officers remain "highly motivated and fully committed" to supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP) in ongoing efforts to dismantle gang networks and restore stability in Haiti.
"All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged," he said.
The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti officially deployed its first contingent on June 25, 2024.
The initiative was part of a UN-approved mission to stabilise Haiti amid escalating gang violence.
Some 400 personnel have since been deployed, with plans to reach a total of 1,000 Kenyan officers as part of the 2,500-strong international force.
Other contributing countries include Bangladesh, Jamaica and Barbados.
Kenya's Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, answered similar questions at a press conference in Nairobi on Thursday.
"Our officers in Haiti have received their payment up to the end of October," Mr Kanja stated.
President William Ruto during a visit to the country in September pledged to send 600 more police officers to Haiti in the coming weeks to help fight gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and nearby areas.
“Our next batch, an additional 600, is undergoing redeployment training. We will be mission-ready in a few weeks’ time and look forward to the requisite support to enable their deployment,” he said.
