President Ruto finally addresses Haiti issue; Gives 5 reasons for deployment.
Speaking to the media, The head of state highlighted The issue is yet to be taken to Parliament after the National Security Council, the Cabinet and the United Nations Security Council approved the Multinational Security Support Operation.
He stated,”The Executive has conveyed the request to Parliament for consideration. I look forward to an expeditious consideration of this request in light of the dire situation in Haiti. Our participation in the operation reaffirms the DNA of our nation. Our destiny is inextricably linked to the whole of humanity. This is why Haiti is important; Haiti is not far, and Haiti is our business.”
“Unsurprisingly and in view of our democratic nature, this matter has generated public interest, largely informed and driven by misconceptions and lack of information. Whereas some of the issues being raised will be considered and canvassed in parliament, I take this opportunity to respond directly to the people of Kenya on this matter,” he added.
Among the issues he addressed were the concerned raised such as Kenya’s police will face language barriers, cultural differences, unfamiliar terrain, internal security challenges that should be addressed before deployment.
Others include lack of capacity and capability to address the Haitian crisis, as other missions failed.
The president outlined;
Kenya will lead the security mission in Haiti in support of other nations, such as Senegal, Burundi, and Chad in Africa, which are committed to sending their troops. Jamaica, Bermuda, Barbados and Antigua from the Caribbean will also join the mission.
This places a duty of care on every African country. Just like we acted in concert to secure the freedom of the whole continent, Africa is keen to contribute to the freedom and security of Haiti. This explains the critical role of the three African Countries in the UNSC in the negotiation leading up to the adoption of the resolution and the demonstrated commitment of support to this mission from African countries.
Owing to our strong commitment to 3 Pan-Africanism, we are leading the mission to Haiti, in fulfilment of our obligation to Africa and its diaspora,
Based on the consultations, all measures will be taken to prepare and equip our contingent for success. This duty is being balanced with our national needs, and the deployment shall not, in any way, compromise the capability of the police to continue guaranteeing the public safety of Kenyans.
This deployment will enable our officers to improve and sharpen their competencies, skills and experiences in providing security, even beyond our borders. The operation will restore security to Haiti, will enhance the capacity of our national police force to serve humanity even beyond our borders, and will reaffirm our position of pride among the Community of Nations.
I urge all Kenyans to support our National Police Service as it undertakes this noble duty of care as a responsible member of the International Community.
Also read Gov’t puts up Fuel Subsidies as a Cushion to The rising prices