The Kenyan officers who went to Haiti confronted President William Ruto over their compensation during the mission.
Speaking to Ruto, who had visited them in Port-au-Prince, one asked question concerning their insurance and protection.
“Sir, there is one concern about the compensation that we have never known. In case of anything, what is going to happen? We are not aware,” the officer asked.
Ruto in turn assured them of the existence of cover: “You already have a cover in Kenya that makes sure that you have an insurance cover under the National Police Service insurance cover framework,” Ruto explained.
He assured them that any other cover that would be required if that was the case, would be communicated.
It is 100 days since the Kenyan police contingent of the Multinational Security Support Mission was deployed in Haiti.
The first team, comprising 22 officers, arrived in Haiti on June 25 and was followed by a second team, comprising 30 officers, on July 16.
During his press briefing in Haiti, President Ruto announced that 600 more officers would be deployed. “Three hundred officers will be deployed in October, and another 300 in November,” he said.
He led the officers in prayer and song, commending their bravery and dedication to duty. “This mission initially was met with skepticism, criticism, and pessimism,” he said, adding that afterwards public opinion turned positive.
Ruto recognized the hard work of the mission, but lamented a deficit of the required tools and equipment.
“You will do better when more equipment is made available,” he assured the officers.
. Other countries pledging to send officers include Benin, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Algeria, Canada, and France.
