After a successful mission in Haiti, the government has praised the Kenyan police officers, who made a significant impact in the area despite the criticism and misinformation that accompanied their deployment in the early days.
The first Kenyan contingent of over 230 officers, which went to Haiti in June last year, has returned after 18 months of hard work on the frontlines of the historic international mission. They had a welcome back ceremony in Embakasi.
The Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was present at the event, said the officers exemplified exceptional discipline, professionalism and resilience in very challenging circumstances.
He observed that the officers, in spite of the initial scepticism by the public, were instrumental in reestablishing law and order, safeguarding the essential infrastructures and giving the Haitian people a chance to start their lives over again.
The officers reported that before the international intervention, gangs had taken over the major towns, controlled the people through illegal taxes and had brought life in the towns to a standstill thus deepening the political instability that had been going on for a long time in the country.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has said that the returning officers will be celebrated during the Jamhuri Day festivities. They will feature in the national parade as a token of appreciation for the services that they rendered.
Kenya has already sent another team of officers to Haiti to facilitate a smooth changeover and to help keep the gains that have been made, thus demonstrating the country’s continued support for world peace, common values, and international responsibility.
