President William Ruto addressing the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s leadership in the Haiti peace mission, saying the country stepped in where the international community had failed.
The President said Kenya took charge of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti out of solidarity and a belief in the United Nation’s mandate.
“For far too long, the people of Haiti called out to the world. Too often, their pleas were met with silence, hesitation, or half-measures. Haiti became a tragic reminder of what happens when the international community looks away, prevaricates, or offers half-hearted support,” Ruto said.
“When Kenya responded to the request of the Haitian
authorities, it was in the belief that we were joining a genuinely
multinational effort. We welcomed and fully embraced Resolution 2699, by which
the United Nations Security Council authorised the MSS with Kenya as the lead
nation.”
He spoke on Wednesday at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Kenya deployed police officers under the MSS mission after the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2699 in 2023, authorising Kenya as the lead nation.
The mission sought to restore stability in a country plagued by rampant gang violence, political instability, and humanitarian crises.
Ruto admitted the mission faced severe constraints but the Kenyan officers stood shoulder high in ending gang violence in Haiti.
“It has been underfunded, under-equipped, and operated below 40 per cent of its authorised personnel strength. Despite these challenges the Kenyan officers have delivered results many thought impossible,” the President noted.
“The Presidential Palace, once under siege from gangs, is today restored as the seat of government. The police headquarters and the police training academy, once overrun by gangs, are now secure, with the academy resuming the training of new officers.”
Ruto highlighted improvements in daily life adding that schools previously shut down by violence had reopened, roads were cleared of gang blockades, and the airport and seaport had resumed normal operations.
The President added that cases of kidnapping and extortion had reduced sharply.
He questioned why such progress had been achieved with limited resources but without full international backing.
“Which begs the question: If so much could be achieved with limited resources and stretched personnel, within just 15 months, what more could have been accomplished if the United Nations fraternity had truly acted together in solidarity with the people of Haiti?” he asked.
As the mission’s mandate nears expiry, Ruto urged the UN Security Council to ensure an orderly transition that consolidates gains.
He warned that failure to sustain support would undo progress.
“The situation in Haiti demands sustained, coordinated, and undivided international attention,” he said.
