Kenya Defies Pressure, Vows to Stay in Haiti as Critics Demand Troop Withdrawal

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting peace and stabilization efforts in Haiti, despite growing political opposition at home.

According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, the Kenyan government will maintain its collaboration with the United States and other international partners to restore order in the Caribbean nation.

 “We will continue to work with the United States and other members of the Standing Group of Partners on Haiti to support the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and the Haitian National Police in their stabilization efforts,” said PS Sing’oei.

His remarks followed a statement by US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, who praised Kenya’s leadership role in Haiti during a recent UN Security Council briefing.

“The United States will remain relentless in pursuing gangs that threaten Haiti’s security and terrorize the Caribbean. We appreciate having the UN and partners like Kenya sharing this burden,” Waltz said.

Mounting Political Resistance at Home

Despite global praise, Kenya’s mission in Haiti continues to face resistance from several opposition leaders, who have demanded the immediate withdrawal of officers.

The initial Multinational Security Support Mission, led by Kenya, concluded on October 2, 2025, and was succeeded by the newly formed Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

Opposition figures including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP–Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa, and former CS Moses Kuria have openly criticized the deployment, describing it as a misguided and risky venture.

“This mission was misadvised. It never had the approval of the UN Security Council, and without that, it was a mission impossible,” said Kalonzo, insisting that Kenya’s young officers were put in harm’s way unnecessarily.

Wamalwa has argued that the operation violates the constitution, while Kuria dismissed it as a “foreign misadventure.”

Casualties and Controversy

Since the deployment began in October 2023, at least three Kenyan officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. The deaths have reignited debate over whether the benefits of the mission outweigh the human cost.

Still, the government maintains that Kenya’s involvement in global peacekeeping remains a moral and diplomatic obligation, and withdrawal would undermine the country’s reputation as a regional peace partner.