Kenya’s parliament has approved a government plan to send approximately 1,000 police officers to Haiti to assist in tackling rampant gang violence, despite an active court order halting the deployment. The vote, which passed amid heated debate, sparked criticism from opposition lawmakers who argued the decision was unconstitutional and should await judicial review. Supporters, primarily from the ruling party, stressed Kenya’s responsibility as a member of the international community to respond to humanitarian and security crises abroad.
Haiti, where more than 300 gangs control roughly 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, has appealed for international assistance following years of political instability and the 2021 assassination of its president. Kenyan proponents highlighted the country’s experience in peacekeeping missions, citing deployments to Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone as evidence of Nairobi’s capacity to contribute effectively. The parliamentary approval came just before the High Court was set to hear a legal challenge filed by the Thirdway Alliance, which argued that only the military—not police—could be deployed abroad. The court has reiterated that the deployment cannot proceed until it issues a ruling in January.
Reactions have been mixed. Opposition leader Raila Odinga questioned Kenya’s role, noting Haiti’s proximity to the United States and questioning why Kenya should lead the mission. Prominent figures, including writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, criticized the plan on historical and ethical grounds. Meanwhile, President William Ruto defended the initiative, asserting that Kenya has a role in promoting freedom and security internationally. The U.S. and Canada have pledged financial support for the mission, highlighting the international dimension of the effort. Rights groups have also cautioned against deploying Kenyan police overseas, citing concerns about past instances of excessive force at home.