German Chancellor pledges to support Kenya’s mission to Haiti after meeting with Ruto
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday, November 20, 2023, pledged to support Kenya's mission to fight criminal gangs in Haiti.
President William Ruto said Scholz made the commitment during their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) summit.
According to the Head of State, the head of the German government also pledged to support peace initiatives in the Horn of Africa.
"Kenya and Germany share strong historic ties and considerable interests, especially in trade, investment, environmental conservation and industrial promotion. We will build on these relations to benefit our people.
"On the sidelines of the “G20 Compact with Africa” conference in Berlin, held talks with Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz who pledged to support of Kenya's mission to Haiti and peace in the Horn of Africa," President Ruto stated.
President Ruto, however, didn't disclose the nature of support Germany will offer the Kenyan government in its mission to the troubled Caribbean nation.
The latest comes days after the National Assembly approved the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti to quell a surge in gang violence that has claimed more than 2,000 lives this year alone.
The National Assembly on Thursday, November 16 voted to pass the motion on deployment of the Kenyan offices to Haiti as part of the United Nations-backed mission.
The motion, moved by Narok West Member of Parliament Gabriel Tongoyo, sailed through the House despite opposition from lawmakers allied to the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition, who form the minority in the 13th parliament.
The Azimio MPs led by Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi opposed the debate of the motion, citing a court order barring the Kenyan government from deploying its officers to the Caribbean nation.
"We cannot proceed with debate on this motion until this matter in court is heard and determined one way or the other. Or until the interim orders that were issued by Justice Muita are either vacated or stood down," Wandayi told Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei.
Cabinet approves Haiti mission
The Haiti mission received a nod from President Ruto's Cabinet in October.
The government, however, suffered a setback after the High Court slammed breaks on the operation following a petition filed by former presidential candidate, Ekuru Aukot, on October 9.
The court extended the orders on October 24 amid concerns over Kenya's preparedness for the mission from various quarters including the opposition.
