President William Ruto has defended the planned deployment of Kenyan troops to Haiti to lead the Multinational Security Support Mission pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution.
The President who spoke at Embakasi Garrison Saturday said Kenyan troops are ready for the mission to bring stability to Haiti urging parliament to okay the planned deployment.
This comes barely days after the high court temporarily halted the deployment of over 1000 police officers to Haiti pending the hearing of a petition challenging the constitutionality of the matter.
Ruto maintains the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti was an international assignment that Kenya has an obligation to support.
He said the government will not renege on its decision that has since received the green light from the cabinet and urged parliament to approve the deployment saying Kenya was keen on playing its role in bringing stability to the horn of Africa
He was speaking at Embakasi Garrison presided over the Kenya Defence Forces Day 2023 celebrations and also unveiled a monument to commemorate Kenya’s heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Commander-in-Chief commended KDF for its critical role in maintaining security and enhancing stability in Kenya and the region.
“We honour the Kenya Defence Forces for their sacrifice, dedication and bravery in defending and protecting our country and its interests against external aggression. Through their unmatched heroism — putting themselves in the line of fire — Kenya and the region enjoy relative peace and stability, the necessary condition to our prosperity.” – President Ruto.
First Lady Rachel Ruto, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, National Security Advisor to the President Monica Juma, among others, were present.
Elsewhere, has assured that they will not use any shortcuts to deploy Kenya Police Service Officers to Haiti.
“Our Members of Parliament are expected to deliberate on the request and make a decision in the best interest of our country,” he said.
He stated that the deployment of Kenya Police Service Officers to Haiti will not in any way compromise or undermine the capacity of our officers to safeguard the country’s safety and security.
Gladys Mungai
