Kenyan Police Commander in Haiti Responds to Resignation Rumors and Plans to Return to Kenya
The Kenyan police commander stationed in Haiti has finally addressed recent reports regarding the resignation of nearly twenty police officers under his command, who are allegedly preparing to return to Kenya.
Godfrey Otunge, the Commander of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Force, has spoken out to refute the claims that have gone viral since Wednesday, which were initially reported by an international news outlet.
The report suggested that several Kenyan police officers had resigned from their posts in Haiti.
Otunge explained that the international news outlet did not seek clarification from the mission before publishing their story.
The officers reportedly interviewed for the report were not properly vetted, and the information circulating is both inaccurate and malicious.
He also emphasized that all MSS personnel, including those in Haiti, have been fully paid, including their monthly allowances.
“All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances. Contrary to reports, no MSS officer has resigned.
We urge all stakeholders, both local and international media, to seek clarification directly from the MSS before publishing any reports. Our doors remain open for transparent communication,” Otunge clarified.
This clarification comes after a foreign news agency had reported that nearly 20 Kenyan police officers stationed in Haiti had submitted resignation letters, citing delayed salaries and poor working conditions.
The report suggested that the officers had not received any response from the government.
In a follow-up response, Raymond Omollo, the Interior Principal Secretary, addressed the claims of unpaid dues.
He explained that the responsibility for paying the Kenyan officers in Haiti lies with the United Nations, not the Kenyan government.
“The Kenyan team is part of the United Nations multi-support team in Haiti, and the terms of their engagement are clearly defined, including who is responsible for paying the officers, and that is the United Nations,” Omollo clarified.
He also dismissed the rumors of resignation, reaffirming that the officers’ conditions and payments are being handled according to international agreements.
