First Lady Rachel Ruto has unveiled a proposal to form a prayer committee for Kenyan police officers designated for deployment on a UN Security Council-endorsed mission to Haiti, a nation grappling with turmoil.
Addressing attendees at the Weston Hotel in Nairobi during the listening party of the ‘Fourth Man’ EP by the 1005 Songs & More Gospel music group, Rachel emphasized her engagement with clergy members concerning Kenya’s forthcoming dispatch of troops to Haiti.
In her remarks, the First Lady underscored the significance of spiritual intervention in safeguarding the well-being of both Kenyan officers and the Haitian populace.
“I’ve been in extensive discussions with clergy associates for two days, deliberating on matters concerning Haiti because we, as a national collective, recognize the imperative of invoking prayers for our police force and the people of Haiti,” she stated.
“We’ve convened pastors from Haiti and America to explore how these three nations can unite in prayer, firmly believing in the efficacy of spiritual intervention.”
On the same day, former U.S. Special Envoy for Haiti, Dan Foote, expressed reservations regarding Kenya’s intention to deploy 1,000 police officers to Haiti, citing inadequacy in troop numbers to address the rampant gang activity in the Caribbean nation.
In an interview with CNN, Foote highlighted the historical context, mentioning that previous military interventions in Haiti required at least 20,000 troops stationed in Port-au-Prince, none of which yielded desired outcomes.
Furthermore, he implied that Kenya’s leadership in the security mission primarily stemmed from financial inducements from the UN Security Council, rather than genuine peacekeeping motives.
“I perceive this as primarily a financial endeavor by President Ruto, as his country stands to gain significant financial benefits,” he remarked.
Initially, the U.S. government pledged $100 million (approximately Ksh.13 billion) to support the multinational force led by Kenya, urging other nations to contribute similarly to restore stability in Haiti.
