Gachagua: We will need financial aid for Haiti mission

**Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.** [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

A few days after the High Court halted the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to a peace mission in Haiti, the Kenyan government has expressed its commitment to ensuring the deployment proceeds.

In a case filed by opposition politician Ekuru Aukot, the High Court in Nakuru suspended the deployment on Monday.

Aukot said deploying the officers to Haiti lacked legal or treaty backing and was, therefore, unconstitutional.

On Sunday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who spoke in Kilgoris, Narok county, said the approval of Kenyan police to lead the mission by the UN Security Council was a significant honour from the international community.

“It indeed demonstrates that our police service is acknowledged for their professionalism and expertise. The people of Haiti are like our brothers, and we should lend a helping hand to them without fail,” he said.

Expedite approval

The DP said the process was currently before Parliament, which he urged to expedite the approval of the deployment in accordance with the law.

Gachagua urged the international community to ensure the deployed officers and the peace mission receive the necessary financial aid for their success.

“As we expedite our local approvals in Parliament, we request the international community, which we have provided with the personnel, to furnish us with the required financial support for the mission, as that is our primary challenge,” the DP said.

According to him, the country plans to deploy at least 1,000 police officers. He said their deployment would be significant for the Kenyan Police Service domestically.

“Our officers will gain new experiences as they interact with officers from other countries. They will return with valuable experiences that will enhance their service to our country,” said Gachagua.

Deployment

Two days ago, the Cabinet, presided over by President William Ruto, sanctioned the deployment of Kenyan police officers to the Caribbean nation.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said Parliament is prepared to endorse the Cabinet’s decision and facilitate the deployment while addressing any legal challenges.

“Next week, we will scrutinise the Cabinet decision and ensure we provide answers to all the questions that Kenyans may have regarding this deployment,” Ichung’wa said.

However, he said Kenya’s economy cannot solely sustain the mission and that the country will need financial support.