The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), comprising mostly Kenyan police personnel, and the Haitian National Police have categorically denied rumors of a strained relationship between them. This comes amidst allegations of disagreements over unpaid wages and accusations of colluding with gangs.

Godfrey Otunge, commander of the MSS, emphasized the collaborative police operations between the two forces, stating that their goal remains to eliminate gang violence in Haiti. He urged the local population not to be swayed by misinformation aimed at discrediting their joint efforts.

Otunge's statement follows reports of tensions between the Kenyan and Haitian police, which both parties have now disputed. The MSS and Haitian National Police have reiterated their commitment to working together to ensure the security of the Haitian population and to dismantle gang networks.

In a separate statement, the MSS also refuted allegations that officers were owed three months' salary, stating that all personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no officer has tendered their resignation.

The joint security mission was launched in July 2023, when Kenyan President William Ruto pledged to send 1,000 troops to Haiti to assist in restoring law and order to the Caribbean island. Kenya sent its first deployment of 400 security police personnel in June 2024, with two dozen Jamaican military and police officers subsequently traveling to Haiti to support the peacekeeping effort.

The denial of a strained relationship between the Kenyan and Haitian police is significant, as it underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing security challenges. The joint mission's success is crucial in combating gang violence in Haiti, and any perceived divisions could have undermined the effort.

As the security situation in Haiti remains precarious, the reaffirmation of the MSS and Haitian National Police's commitment to working together is a positive development. It is essential to continue monitoring the situation and to provide support to the joint mission as it works towards restoring stability to the Caribbean nation.