Kenyan Soldiers Begin Patrols in Haiti in American Armored Vehicles

Hundreds of Kenyan soldiers deployed to Haiti began patrolling the streets around the National Palace. Gunfire was heard during the operation and an American armored vehicle broke down. 

On Wednesday, Kenyan soldiers in American MRAP vehicles patrolled the streets of Port au Prince near the National Palace. The troops are in Haiti are on a UN Security Council-endorsed mission to take control of the capital city from armed groups. 

In recent years, gangs have seized, from the government, a growing portion of Port au Prince. The situation worsened after the US-backed Ariel Henry’s ascension to power following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Henry recently agreed to hand over control of Haiti at the White House’s urging. Gangs currently control 80% of Port au Prince. 

For the Kenyan soldiers, the first patrols in Port au Prince were not uneventful. Scores of gunshots were reported, and Haitian journalist Windy Phele posted a video on X showing one of the armored vehicles getting towed.