The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti is uncertain after the United States froze $13.3 million in funding.
The freeze, part of a broader 90-day suspension on foreign aid, raises concerns about the mission’s future as logistical and political challenges persist.
Kenyan police officers, Port-au-Prince, January 18, 2025. REUTERS.Dr.Isaac Newton Kinity/photo courtesy/.
The US had initially pledged $15 million to support the Haiti mission. However, only $1.7 million had been used before the freeze, leaving the deployment without critical financial backing.
This development has sparked criticism, particularly from Kenyan activist Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity, who questions President William Ruto’s motives for the mission.
Kenyan police officers, Port-au-Prince, January 18, 2025.REUTERS.
Dr. Kinity has openly challenged Ruto’s decision to send Kenyan police officers to Haiti while millions of Kenyans face economic hardships. He criticized the president’s governance, alleging widespread corruption within his administration.
“We have tried to understand why William Ruto is showing so much compassion for Haiti while his people suffer under a corrupt system that has impoverished millions,” Dr Kinity said. He pointed to reports ranking Ruto among the world’s most corrupt leaders, questioning the president’s priorities.
The activist also condemned the violent crackdown on Kenyan protesters, recalling incidents where young demonstrators lost their lives while speaking out against the government.
“He has ordered the killing of hundreds of young men and women who dared to raise their voices,” Dr Kinity stated, sharing videos of past demonstrations.
With US funding now halted, he raised concerns about the sustainability of Kenya’s deployment in Haiti.
“What will William Ruto do with the Kenyan police in Haiti now that the financial support from the US has stopped?” he questioned.
Despite the funding setback, the Kenyan government insists that the mission will proceed. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura assured that there are enough resources to sustain operations until at least September 2025. Meanwhile, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei revealed that additional pledges amounting to $600 million have been made to support the MSS mission.
Kenya is also exploring the possibility of transitioning the mission into a full United Nations (UN) operation to secure direct funding. This move aims to provide long-term financial stability for the deployment.
However, concerns persist over Kenya’s continued involvement in Haiti. The mission’s financial uncertainty has drawn scrutiny, with critics questioning the government’s priorities. While the administration remains committed to the operation, calls for greater transparency and accountability are growing.
As the situation unfolds, supporters and opponents of the Haiti mission closely watch developments. The funding freeze raises significant questions about Kenya’s foreign policy direction and the broader impact of its involvement in Haiti’s mission.
