- The fourth group of Kenyan officers serving under MSS in Haiti has returned home after completing their tour of duty
- A total of 150 officers left Haiti aboard a Kenya Airways flight following an official send-off ceremony
- Their return marks a continued phased withdrawal of Kenyan police from the multinational security mission
- The mission had been focused on helping restore order and support Haitian police against armed gangs
- Concerns and protests had emerged locally as the withdrawal process gained momentum
The final group of Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support mission has officially returned to the country. The 150 officers departed the Caribbean nation on Monday night aboard a Kenya Airways flight, marking another major step in the winding down of the operation. Their departure was confirmed by the National Police Service in a statement released on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The officers are expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the evening hours of Tuesday.
Their exit followed an official visit to Haiti by Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli. During the visit, he was received by MSS Contingent Commander Godfrey Otunge alongside US diplomatic representative David Howell and Kenya’s Consular General Noor Gabow. The meeting included a briefing on ongoing operations and the gradual drawdown process. Officials also reviewed progress made by the Kenya-led mission during its deployment period.
Before departure, the officers were honoured in a brief ceremony at the MSS Operational Base. According to the National Police Service, the delegation was updated on key milestones achieved during the mission. These included efforts aimed at stabilising volatile areas and supporting local law enforcement in restoring order. The briefing also highlighted how security conditions had improved in several operational zones.
Deputy Inspector General Masengeli praised the officers for their service and commitment throughout the deployment. He noted their contribution to efforts targeting gang violence and improving public safety in Haiti. The mission, which has lasted close to two years, has been central in securing critical infrastructure. This includes airports, seaports, roads, and key transport routes used for humanitarian aid and civilian movement.
The latest group brings the total number of returning officers to 653 since the drawdown began. Earlier phases saw multiple groups arrive back in Kenya over the past months as the mission gradually transitioned. The first group of 230 officers returned in December 2025, followed by 215 in March 2026. Another 208 officers also landed later in March, continuing the structured exit plan.
Security officials have maintained that the withdrawal is being carefully coordinated to avoid creating security gaps. The MSS mission had been supporting Haitian police in combating armed gangs that had destabilised parts of the country. Despite challenges, authorities say key improvements were recorded in areas under joint patrols. The phased exit is now nearing completion as remaining operations wind down.
The withdrawal process has not been without tension on the ground. In recent days, residents in parts of Haiti staged protests opposing the departure of foreign officers. Some demonstrators blocked roads and attempted to restrict the movement of security convoys. These actions reflected growing fears over a possible rise in gang activity once the mission fully exits.
In several incidents, officers had to be redirected due to barricaded routes, with helicopters deployed to assist in extraction from affected areas. Reports indicate that communities expressed concern over the safety vacuum that could emerge after the Kenyan-led mission ends. The protests underline the uncertainty surrounding the transition to a new security arrangement. As the MSS winds down, attention now shifts to how Haiti will manage its security moving forward.
