By Peter Ochieng
The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a brief response to reports claiming that some of the Kenyan police officers recently deployed to Haiti have been killed.
A video doing rounds on social media claimed that at least 7 out of the 400 police officers deployed to the Caribbean nation had been gunned down.
“7 police reported dead in Haiti,” screamed part of the caption on the video.
“Fake,” NPS responded.
Last week, President William Ruto flagged off the first group of 400 police officers for the United Nations (UN) peace mission in Haiti aimed at freeing the country from the grip of criminal gangs.
Speaking at the National Police College, Embakasi Campus, in Nairobi, President Ruto said the officers were selected for the peace mission on the basis of their integrity, professionalism, and capabilities.
“This mission is one of the most urgent, important, and historic in the history of global solidarity. It is a mission to affirm the universal values of the community of nations, a mission to take a stand for humanity,” he stated.
“We will support and pray for you. As a country, we respect the rule of law, freedom, and democracy. This is why we want you to help the people of Haiti achieve these values that they have been denied by criminal gangs.”
Haiti has faced a continuous onslaught by external and internal forces, causing instability, leading to the loss of thousands of lives, and depriving millions of people of basic social services.
“Currently, Haiti is torn apart by a vicious gang, which has diminished the state’s capacity to function and provide essential services. Development cannot take place under these conditions, and if nothing is done, millions of children, women, and men will continue to suffer without the prospect of relief,” added Ruto.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said the officers had undergone thorough training since October last year.