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Published on: Jan 26, 2024, 4:30 PM EAT
The Kenyan government has announced that it will appeal the High Court’s verdict that declared the planned deployment of 500 Kenyan police officers to Haiti as illegal.
The court ruled on Thursday (January 25) that the deployment violated the Constitution and the Police Service Act, as it was done without proper consultation and approval from Parliament and the National Police Service Commission.
The court also found that the deployment posed a risk to the officers’ safety and welfare, as they would be exposed to violence, disease, and human rights violations in the troubled Caribbean nation.
The deployment was part of the Multi-national Security Support (MSS) Mission, a joint initiative by the African Union and the United Nations to assist Haiti in restoring law and order after a series of political and social unrests.
Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the ruling administration had taken note of the court’s ruling, but disagreed with its reasoning and implications.
“While the government respects the rule of law, we have however decided to challenge the High Court’s verdict forthwith,” Mwaura said in a statement to newsrooms.
He argued that the deployment was in line with Kenya’s foreign policy and international obligations, and that it would benefit the country’s security and diplomatic interests.
He also said that the deployment was voluntary and that the officers had been adequately trained and equipped for the mission.
“The government remains committed to supporting the people of Haiti in their quest for peace and stability, and to enhancing the capacity and professionalism of the Kenyan police service,” Mwaura added.
The appeal is expected to be filed at the Court of Appeal within the next 14 days.
