Kenyan President William Ruto praised the Kenyan police force for their efforts during his visit to Haiti, highlighting their role in peacekeeping missions. Learn more about his remarks and the visit.

Kenya’s President William Ruto arrived in Haiti on Saturday, asserting that the presence of a Kenyan police force combating gangs has led to a notable improvement in the country’s security situation.

This assertion was challenged by a United Nations security expert, who had recently cautioned that violence in Haiti was escalating as gangs continued to extend their influence over the nation.

Upon his arrival, Ruto disembarked from the aircraft, passing by armed personnel on a small section of red carpet, accompanied by various officials.

He proceeded to a Kenyan base at the airport, where he engaged with police officers assigned to combat the gangs, as well as several senior Haitian and Canadian officials.

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Ruto contended that the Kenyan forces have enhanced the security infrastructure and facilitated the return of displaced Haitians who had fled due to violence. However, many Haitians argue that the level of violence remains as severe, if not worse, than it was prior to the police deployment in June.

The President expressed his intention to listen to the experiences of the Kenyan forces on the ground and to learn about their progress before traveling to New York for discussions with U.N. leaders. These leaders are currently deliberating on how to effectively support the resource-limited Kenyan and Jamaican forces that have faced challenges in addressing the gangs terrorizing the Caribbean nation.

Kenya was the first country to contribute forces as part of a broader U.N. initiative aimed at providing international assistance to Haiti, which has descended into conflict and political instability following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Currently, approximately 400 Kenyan police officers are stationed in Haiti. Earlier this month, around two dozen police and soldiers from Jamaica also arrived in the country. However, the United States and other nations have indicated that these forces are insufficient and lack the necessary resources to confront the gangs, which dominate roughly 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.