- Former US official Daniel Foote claimed Ambassador Meg Whitman started the Haiti deal before getting Ruto on board.
- Foote said Kenya’s decision to lead the Haiti mission was more about gaining international exposure and financial benefits.
- He compared peace missions like this to business deals for developing countries.
- Kenya has denied the claims, calling them false and without proof.
- Foote also warned that Kenya’s police officers are not ready for the challenges in Haiti.
Former US special envoy to Haiti, Daniel Foote, has made fresh claims that Kenya’s role in the Haiti peacekeeping deal was largely pushed by the promise of money and global recognition. Speaking in an interview on the Michael Patrick Leahy Show, Foote stated that US Ambassador Meg Whitman crafted the deployment idea before President William Ruto gave his approval.
“This idea looks like it started with the US Ambassador to Kenya. She acted first, and then brought Ruto in,” Foote said.
He described the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission as more of a profitable business for poor countries than a peace effort. Countries like Pakistan, Uruguay, and Bangladesh, he noted, have long taken part in peace missions for this reason.
“It’s a cash cow for countries involved in peacekeeping,” he added. “Kenya agreed to lead, and the US supported it because both sides gained something.”
Foote believes President Ruto wanted more global presence, while the US found Kenya suitable to spearhead the troubled Haiti mission. However, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei denied the allegations, calling them baseless and misleading.
Challenges Ahead as US Pushes for More Help in Haiti
Daniel Foote didn’t stop at just criticising the motive. He expressed concern about the lack of clear planning and warned that language barriers could make it hard for Kenyan police to work smoothly with locals in Haiti. He questioned whether the officers are well-prepared for the tough job ahead.
He had also earlier said the public in Kenya isn’t fully behind the plan, which worries him more.
“I fear this is more of a cash grab. Kenya will receive billions of shillings to lead the mission, but the people don’t seem ready to support it,” Foote warned.
Back in March, he had pointed out that the US government, under President Joe Biden, had promised to channel over Ksh13 billion ($100 million) into the mission.
Meanwhile, US Senator Marco Rubio is now asking the Organisation of American States (OAS) to step in and assist Kenya. He told the US Senate that it’s time for the OAS to take charge and help bring peace to Haiti.
“If there’s any moment for the OAS to step up, this is it,” said Rubio.
