Kenya Police Chief Clarifies Payment Status for Officers in Haiti Peacekeeping Mission

Kenya’s police chief denies claims that officers in Haiti have gone unpaid for three months, stating they have been paid through October. This came after media reports cited deployed personnel’s grievances regarding salary issues. Kenya oversees a multinational police mission aimed at combating gang violence in Haiti, marking a significant foreign intervention in the country.

The Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Douglas Kanja, has publicly refuted claims that Kenyan officers involved in the United Nations multinational peacekeeping mission in Haiti have not received their salaries for the past three months. In a statement made on Thursday, Inspector Kanja clarified that the officers had been compensated up to the end of October. This response follows reports from Kenyan media, which referenced complaints from the deployed officers about salary delays. Kenya leads a contingent of foreign police tasked with addressing rampant gang violence in the Caribbean nation, with the Kenyan force marking the fourth significant international military or police intervention in Haiti since June.

Kenya’s involvement in Haiti’s peacekeeping mission is part of a broader multinational effort to restore security amidst escalating gang violence in the region. The United Nations has established a framework for aid and support in countries facing security challenges, with Kenya contributing police personnel. This is essential for promoting stability in areas affected by crime and violence. The current allegations regarding unpaid salaries reflect concerns about the welfare of peacekeeping personnel abroad, impacting not only morale but also the overall effectiveness of such missions.

In summary, the Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Douglas Kanja, has dismissed reports of unpaid salaries for officers stationed in Haiti, affirming that all personnel have been paid in full through October. Given the critical role of Kenya in the peacekeeping mission, ensuring that officers receive timely compensation is vital for maintaining operational effectiveness and morale in the face of complex challenges in Haiti.

Original Source: www.wdrb.com