Kenya challenges court ruling against Haiti mission

Kenya’s government has declared its intent to challenge a court ruling on Friday that deemed its decision to send a police contingent to Haiti for a UN-backed law and order mission “illegal.”

The move casts uncertainty over the fate of the multinational force sought by Haiti’s government in its plea for international assistance to combat the escalating violence that has claimed nearly 5,000 lives.

The UN Security Council had approved the mission in early October, but concerns within Kenya prompted a legal challenge.

Judge Enock Chacha Mwita, ruling against the deployment, declared it unconstitutional and issued an order prohibiting the deployment of police forces to Haiti or any other country.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura stated, “While the government respects the rule of law, we have, however, made the decision to challenge the high court’s verdict forthwith,” reiterating the government’s commitment to its international obligations.

Opposition politician Ekuru Aukot, who challenged the deployment, expressed readiness for a prolonged legal battle.

“We will still be waiting for them at the court of appeal, and we will go all the way to the Supreme Court. They should be thanking me for saving the government this embarrassment,” he asserted.

Kenya had previously offered up to 1,000 personnel for the mission, a proposal welcomed by the United States and other nations unwilling to deploy their own forces.

President William Ruto had framed the undertaking as a “mission for humanity,” aligning with Kenya’s history of contributing to peacekeeping missions abroad.

Haiti, grappling with armed gangs and political turmoil since the 2016 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, faces a dire situation with a collapsed economy and public health system.

The call for the multinational force to be accelerated comes amidst gang violence described as barbaric, pushing the Haitian people to their limits.

Despite the court decision, UN Chief Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency for action and funding, stating that the need for the force in Haiti remains “extremely high.”

Human Rights Watch echoed the urgency, emphasizing the critical need for international assistance to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Washington expressed gratitude that Kenya remains willing to be part of the mission, highlighting the ongoing chaos and violence caused by gangs in Haiti.

Homicides in the country doubled last year, reaching nearly 4,800, according to a UN report.

The multinational mission, initially approved for one year, envisioned Kenyan police supporting their outnumbered and outgunned Haitian counterparts in confronting the rampant gang activity.