Commander responds to resignation claims of Kenyan police in Haiti

By Peter Ochieng

The Multinational Security Support (MSS) to Haiti force commander Godfrey Otunge has responded to claims of resignations by Kenyan police officers in the Caribbean nation.

This week, reports circulated on various media platforms attributed to Reuters news agency claiming that some members of the MSS Kenya contingent are considering resigning, or have already submitted their resignation letters, due to delayed payment of salaries and allowances.

Otunge denied the allegations. “The MSS categorically refutes these claims,” he said.

He stated that Reuters did not reach out to the MSS for clarification, adding that the information being disseminated is both inaccurate and malicious. He stated that all the MSS personnel in Haiti have received salaries and allowances.

“All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged,” he stated in a press release.

He said MSS officers in Haiti remain highly motivated and fully committed to supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP), in conducting decisive operations aimed at dismantling gang networks and restoring stability.

“We urge all stakeholders, including local and international media, to seek clarification directly from the MSS before publishing any reports. Our doors remain open for transparent communication.”

He added, “The MSS remains resolute in its mission to help Haiti reclaim its glory and restore peace and security for its people.”

Reuters said it based its reporting on three officers who sought anonymity, and who allegedly revealed that their colleagues began submitting resignation letters in October.

They said they submitted letters, after their bids to resign verbally were thwarted. Three officers allegedly submitted resignation letters in October and another 15 in November, among them, reportedly at least five senior officers, including a unit commander, who was the first to submit a letter in October.

Kenya deployed about 400 police officers in Haiti from June, 2024.