Haiti mission commander Godfrey Otunge returns to Kenya
By Lutta Njomo, September 6, 2025Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, is back in the country.
The officer appointed to lead the team of more than 2,500 police officers returned to the country on Friday, September 5, 2025.
His wife and kids welcomed a visibly overjoyed Otunge at the airport upon his arrival. He, however, did not immediately disclose why he flew to the country.
Otunge was tapped as the force commander in 2024, replacing Noor Gabow, who was appointed as Kenya’s Consul-General to Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Since his appointment, Otunge has been critical in disseminating critical information regarding the progress of the mission and, at the same time, dispelling misleading reports.
Wise decision to go to Haiti
Addressing a section of the press after landing back in the country, Otunge lauded President William Ruto for okaying the deployment of Kenyan officers to the Caribbean nation.
Otunge described Ruto’s move as a wise decision despite scepticism from Kenyans on the deployment.
Also watch: Tragic Haiti accident claims MSS officer and civilian lives
The commanding officer also acknowledged the progress made by the officers since their deployment despite facing a myriad of challenges.
“When the president directed that we go to Haiti, people were so much hesitant that we are going to die in Haiti. But I can assure you that we are here, and you can see me as the force commander,” Otunge told a local TV station.
“I can assure you that the decision of our president to decide that at least we go and support our African country in the Caribbean was a wise decision, and as of today, we are very much happy and we are proud of what we have done,” he added.
Otunge recently assured the world that peacekeepers would continue their primary role of assisting in creating a conducive environment for free and fair elections in Haiti as mandated by the United Nations.
“The collaboration between the MSS and HNP is crucial to bringing about the necessary stability for the progress and prosperity of Haiti. However, the MSS and the HNP will continue to do this with the support of the Haitian people,” Otunge stated.
“The MSS therefore reaffirms its commitment to the people of Haiti and pledges that we will continue to steadfastly support the efforts of the HNP to restore law and order to the Republic,” he added.