Kenyan police officers deployed to war-torn Haiti for a peacekeeping mission have sent emotional messages to their families back home.
In a post shared by the National Police Service on Friday, January 24, 2025, the officers appeared in a video taking turns to send greetings to their loved ones and provide brief updates on their well-being.
In the heartfelt clips, the officers extended warm greetings to their spouses, parents, and children, expressing how much they longed to see them soon.
The officers were clad in their uniforms and wearing bright smiles, radiating hope and determination.
One of the officers, Sheikh Abdi from Garissa in northeastern Kenya, assured people from his region that he was proudly representing them in Haiti, just as other officers were representing their respective areas.
In another video, an unnamed officer asked his family to keep him in their prayers, expressing optimism about completing the mission peacefully and reuniting with them.
He also directed a special message to his children, urging them to remain calm, stay safe, and continue trusting in God.
“Ningetaka kutuma salamu kwa familia yangu, bibi yangu, watoto wangu, walipo baba yao ako salama na bado tunawakilisha. Walipo huko waendelee kutuombea Mungu mpaka tutakaporudi tukiwa salama. Walipo huko waendelee kumtumikia Mungu,” the officer said in Kiswahili, reassuring his family of his safety and commitment.
Some officers recorded their messages in their vernacular languages, adding personal touches by mentioning specific family members by name.
Another officer, identified as Onjiri, emphasized that the team was doing its utmost to fulfill its assigned duties.
He added that he hails from Bungoma, assuring residents that they are well-represented in the mission.
More officers join the mission
On Wednesday, January 18, 2025, the third contingent of 217 Kenyan police officers arrived safely at Port-au-Prince Airport in Haiti, where they were welcomed by Haitian authorities.
This deployment is part of President William Ruto’s pledge to send over 1,000 officers to Haiti as part of a United Nations-backed peacekeeping mission.
The latest group brings the total number of Kenyan officers in Haiti to 617.
The deployment is intended to strengthen the understaffed security mission in a country grappling with widespread gang violence that has displaced more than a million people.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, in a statement shared on his X account on the day of the deployment, emphasized Kenya’s dedication to the mission.
“The new group comprises 217 police officers from Kenya who will join about 400 officers sent last year. Our commitment to this historic mission is unwavering, and we will continue to mobilize all the necessary international support for it to succeed,” he wrote.
