ODM oppose move to send police officer Haiti
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has opposed the government’s move to send police officers to lead the multi-national Security Support mission in Haiti.
The opposition allied political outfit termed the decision as opportunistic and ‘going against the ideals of Pan-Africanism’.
In a statement released on October 12, 2023, the Raila Odinga-led party expressed its concern, stating, “We believe that the choice to deploy a Kenyan police officer to head the MSS Mission in Haiti is misguided, driven by opportunity, and undermines the essence of Pan-Africanism.
ODM further argued the move contradicts the constitutional mandate as defined in Article 244.
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It pointed out that Kenya’s National Police, established under Article 244 of the constitution, is primarily responsible for maintaining national security and does not have an external mandate.
“We believe the decision to deploy Kenya’s police officer to head the MSS Mission in Haiti is ill-advised, opportunistic and undermines the spirit of Pan- Africanism,” said ODM in a statement.
The party urged the government to prioritize addressing ongoing security challenges within the country, particularly in regions such as Sondu, Lamu, the North Rift, along the Somali border, and the Lake Victoria islands, before diverting resources to support Haiti.
ODM expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of previous interventions in Haiti, highlighting that efforts by powerful nations have resulted in minimal progress.
“Kenya’s National Police is established under article 244 of the constitution to enforce national security and does not possess an external mandate,”
Additionally, ODM recognized Haiti’s historical significance as the first black nation to achieve independence from colonial rule, saying, “We acknowledge Haiti’s historical importance as the first black nation to regain its independence from colonial forces.”
“We acknowledge Haiti’s historical significance as the first black nation to regain its independence from colonial forces,” ODM said.
ODM has called on members of parliament to oppose the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti if the matter is brought before the legislative body.