US envoy praises Kenyan officers for peace mission in Haiti

During his two-day visit to Kenya, Landau visited the National Police College in Embakasi, where he recognised the officers for their role in helping restore stability in the gang-ravaged Caribbean nation.

While lauding their service, Landau said the Haitian government had been on the brink of collapse due to escalating gang violence, and credited the multinational support forces, including the Kenyan police contingent, with preventing a total breakdown of state authority.

"I say this with total conviction and honesty that the government of Haiti would not have survived were it not for your presence there," said Christopher Landau, US Deputy Secretary of State.

He added that the officers’ service symbolised strong cooperation between Kenya and the United States, as well as global solidarity.

"You answered an international call. This will stand as a tribute not only to close cooperation between Kenya and the US but to the international community. One country stepped up and that is Kenya. That is you," he said.

National Security Advisor Monica Juma noted that Kenya’s decision to deploy was informed by its longstanding experience in international peace operations.

"The confidence to deploy was inspired by Kenya’s undisputed contribution and experience in international peace operations," said Monica Juma.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the mission had significantly restored order in Haiti, adding that Kenyan officers had earned praise for their discipline.

"The mission has significantly restored order in Haiti. Our officers were largely hailed as disciplined," said Kipchumba Murkomen, Interior Cabinet Secretary.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja expressed gratitude to the United States for the logistical and strategic support provided to Kenyan officers during the mission.

"We are deeply grateful to the United States for logistical and strategic support extended to our officers," said Douglas Kanja, Inspector General of Police.

The ceremony also paid tribute to officers who lost their lives during the mission, with Landau conveying condolences to their families.

"I also want to take a moment to recognise the fact that not all of you returned from this mission, and I would request a moment of silence to honour those from among your ranks who did not return," said Landau.

The officers returned home on December 9, 2025, after completing an 18-month United Nations-backed peacekeeping deployment. Kenyan police were deployed to Haiti in June 2024 to support efforts to restore stability in the gang-troubled nation.

The visit marks one of the highest recognitions of the Kenyan officers’ service in Haiti, as Kenya reaffirms its commitment to remain engaged until lasting stability is achieved.