the recent decision by a Kenyan court to halt the planned deployment of police officers to Haiti has stirred concerns among the citizens of Haiti. The ruling by Justice Chacha Mwita, delivered just hours ago, has triggered apprehension and distress among the residents of the war-torn nation.
According to a report by the Associated Press, following the court’s decision, radio stations in Haiti were flooded with calls from worried individuals. Some stations even experienced jamming due to the overwhelming volume of calls, reflecting the heightened anxiety among the populace. There is a palpable fear that the situation in Haiti, already dire due to the control of large parts of the country by gangs, might escalate further.
Over the past year, these gangs have gained control over 80% of the capital city, Port-Au-Prince, raising concerns about the potential for complete takeover. The callers to the radio stations overwhelmingly sought information on what would transpire next in the wake of the court ruling, reflecting a desperate need for clarity and assurance.
Justice Mwita’s ruling deemed the planned deployment unconstitutional, highlighting that the National Security Council and the National Police Service lack the authority to deploy officers outside Kenya without a reciprocal arrangement. He stated, “An order is hereby issued prohibiting the deployment of police officers to Haiti or any other country otherwise than in compliance with part 14 of NPS Act.”
However, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei expressed disagreement with the ruling, particularly questioning the exclusion of police as a force. Sing’oei argued that the judge’s interpretation fails to recognize the legislative history behind the differentiation between “Forces” and “Service” in the constitution. Despite this disagreement, Sing’oei noted that the judgment doesn’t necessarily rule out the possibility of the Haiti mission, as police deployment abroad could still occur based on reciprocal arrangements.
The case leading to this ruling was filed by Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot, who contended that the deployment ordered by President William Ruto was illegal. The State had planned to deploy 1,000 police officers to support the efforts in Haiti.
In the backdrop of these legal and diplomatic discussions, the situation in Haiti continues to worsen. Global media outlets have reported intensifying attacks, with gangs even taking over police stations and expanding beyond city centers. The gravity of the crisis in Haiti has prompted concerns on an international level, as emphasized by Maria Isabel Salvador, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, who addressed the United Nations on the severity of the multiple protracted crises facing the nation.
As events unfold, it remains to be seen how the Kenyan government will respond to this court ruling and its implications for both domestic and international security. The voices of the citizens, expressed through the jammed radio stations and distress calls, underscore the urgency of addressing the complex challenges faced by Haiti and the delicate balance between legal considerations and humanitarian needs.