The Multinational Security Support (MSS) has denied rumors that several officers in Kenya’s deployment in Haiti are mulling resignation due to delayed allowance payments.
Otunge stated that the material being disseminated is false and malicious.
MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge stated that the news organization that published the information never sought clarification from the mission.
“All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged,” he said in a statement.
He confirmed that MSS officers are highly motivated and totally devoted to assisting the Haitian National Police in carrying out operations targeted at dismantling gang networks and restoring peace.
“We urge all stakeholders, including local and international media, to seek clarification directly from the MSS before publishing any reports. Our doors remain open for transparent communication,” Otunge said.
“The MSS remains resolute in its mission to help Haiti reclaim its glory and restore peace and security for its people.”
Reuters had stated that approximately 20 Kenyan police officers in Haiti have resigned from the government due to delayed salaries and poor working conditions.
According to the news item, the policemen who supposedly presented their resignation papers were yet to get a reaction from the administration.
On November 5, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja disputed similar charges, claiming that Kenyan officers had previously been paid in full.
He noted that the situation in Haiti has much improved as a result of the government’s efforts to tackle the majority of the contingent’s concerns.
“The officers on the ground are doing quite well,” Kanja assured.
His thoughts were shared by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who underlined that the United Nations, not Kenya, was responsible for paying the personnel.
“The Kenyan team is part of the United Nations multi-support team in Haiti and its term of engagement is well defined on who is paying for that support, and it is the United Nations,” Omollo said.
