Ruto narrates how second-hand vehicles offered by US put officers in Haiti at risk
By Paulette Mboga, September 22, 2025President William Ruto has revealed that Kenyan security personnel deployed in Haiti faced grave risks after being supplied with second-hand vehicles that frequently broke down in dangerous areas.
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Haiti in New York on Monday, September 22, 2025, Ruto said the peacekeeping mission expected adequate logistical support, including armoured personnel carriers, to help restore order in the gang-plagued nation.
Instead, much of the equipment provided was substandard, limiting the mission’s effectiveness. The president emphasised that his remarks did not aim to deter international partners, but rather to highlight the necessity for improved resourcing.
Ruto went on to laud the US for stepping up despite the challenges encountered by officers serving the multi-support security mission.
“It was expected that there would be force multipliers such as armoured personnel carriers and enough logistical support to make this mission successful,” Ruto said.
“The United States did provide vehicles, but unfortunately, most of them were second-hand. They broke down many times, often in dangerous places, which put our personnel at great risk. But at least they stepped up. We did not, however, get any useful support from other quarters.”
Commended Kenyan officers
Despite the challenges, the Head of State commended Kenyan officers for their bravery and commitment to safeguarding the Haitian people. He noted that the personnel have continued to secure key installations, including the police academy, to prevent further gang attacks.
It is worth noting that Kenyan-led troops recently recaptured the highly strategic TELECO site in Kenscoff after a night-long operation.
“We are proud of our officers who have gone out of their way to ensure the Haitian people enjoy peace,” Ruto said.
The president further warned that without stronger international backing, the next mission in Haiti could face similar setbacks. He called on the Security Council to prioritise reliable funding and logistics in the transition to a new mission.
“The biggest challenge and impediment to MSS was logistics and transport support. If that remains unpredictable, I am afraid the next mission may suffer the same as MSS. It is important that resourcing the new mission becomes the heart of the transition,” he stressed.
Ruto confirmed that Kenya will remain committed to supporting Haiti through the transition process. He said that the focus must remain on protecting civilians and restoring stability in the Caribbean nation.
“Kenya is going to be available to support the mission in the transition process to make sure that the people in Haiti are looked after,” Ruto concluded.