By Ebi Kesiena
A Kenyan High Court has temporarily blocked the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti after petitioners challenged the move.
The peacekeeping mission to Haiti might be delayed as the High Court temporarily blocked police from being deployed to the gang-ridden country due to the petition.
The joint petition, filed by former Presidential candidate Ekuru Aukot and others, argued that Kenya’s constitution restricts police officers to operate within the country’s borders.
Aukot further said in the suit papers delivered on Monday that there was no cabinet meeting held to endorse the deployment of police officers abroad.
In addition, the petitioners argued that the Haitian government has not formally requested assistance from Kenya.
Although the UN Security Council has approved Kenya’s offer
The petitioners listed Kenya’s inspector general of police, attorney general, interior minister and National Assembly Speaker as respondents.
Justice E.C Mwita, who delivered the orders, instructed that the pleadings be served on the respondents as soon as possible.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents from deploying police officers to Haiti or any other country until October 24, 2023,” Judge Chacha Mwita said on Monday.
On October 2, the UN Security Council approved Kenya’s offer to lead a multinational security force to Haiti to contain gang violence.
Announcing the move, Kenyan President William Ruto said that it was Kenya’s turn to stand with the people of Haiti.
