The MATANA Foundation recently honored President William Ruto on behalf of Haiti’s youth, recognizing his pivotal role in the ongoing peacekeeping efforts within the Caribbean nation. The award celebrates Ruto’s visionary leadership and his landmark choice to send Kenyan forces to bolster security and stability through the UN-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission.
Kenya took the lead on this international mission following the 2023 authorization of UN Security Council Resolution 2699. The deployment aims to dismantle the gang violence gripping Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions, which has sparked a severe humanitarian and security emergency.
During a ceremony in Port-au-Prince on April 27, Fondation MATANA presented an acrylic award plaque as a special tribute to the Kenyan officers serving on the ground. The inscription on the award paid direct homage to the President’s resolve:
“President of the Republic of Kenya, for his visionary leadership and his historic decision to deploy Kenyan forces to Haiti at a time of great need, a lasting act of solidarity and commitment to peace. With the profound gratitude of the Haitian people.”
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen marked a significant milestone on Monday, presiding over the final withdrawal of Kenyan troops from the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.
Speaking at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Murkomen detailed the mission’s transition to the new Gang Suppression Force (GSF). He reflected on the deep bond formed between the Kenyan officers and the local communities they protected since their arrival in June 2024.
While Kenya initially pledged 1,000 police officers under UN Security Council Resolutions 2699 and 2793, Murkomen noted that logistical hurdles capped the actual deployment at 730 personnel. Despite these constraints, Kenya maintained its role as the lead nation, collaborating with partners from the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica. The mission also relied on critical support from global powers, including the United States, France, Germany, South Korea, and Japan.
Over the course of 18 months, the Kenyan contingent worked alongside the Haitian National Police to reclaim stability. Murkomen credited their joint efforts with restoring order, securing vital infrastructure, and reviving public services – achievements that paved the way for the peaceful transfer of executive power on February 7, 2026.
“Today, Haiti is regaining stability,” he stated, pointing to the return of families to their homes and the slow revival of the local economy.
CS Murkomen shared a poignant example of the mission’s impact, describing how local citizens once tried to physically block a departing contingent to prevent them from leaving. However, the mission did not come without a heavy price. Murkomen paid a solemn tribute to three Kenyan officers, APC Samuel Tomoi Kaetuai, APC Benedict Kabiru, and Corporal Kennedy Nzuve, who lost their lives during the deployment.
Addressing the complexities of the operation, Murkomen acknowledged allegations of misconduct involving the force. He assured the public that Kenya prioritized accountability and transparency, conducting thorough investigations into all claims.
As the final group of Kenyan officers prepared for their journey home, United Nations representative Jack Chrostofides joined the ceremony to usher in the next phase of security under the GSF.
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