What You Need to Know
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has responded to a UN report regarding Kenyan forces in Haiti, asserting that the allegations of sexual exploitation were unsubstantiated. He emphasized the transparency of investigations and Kenya’s commitment to human rights and accountability, urging corrections to the report to protect the reputation of Kenyan personnel deployed in the Multinational Sec
Africa-Press – Kenya. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has formally written to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, raising concerns that a recent United Nations report failed to accurately capture findings that cleared Kenyan forces of rape allegations during their deployment in Haiti.
In a letter dated April 7, 2026, Mudavadi said claims of sexual exploitation and abuse reported in August 2025 were promptly investigated through a Board of Inquiry and were found to be unsubstantiated.
“No formal complaints were filed with any authority, and findings were shared transparently with both Haitian and UN bodies,” he said.
He noted that the investigations were impartial and that the findings were shared with all relevant stakeholders, including UN human rights offices and Haitian authorities.
Mudavadi said the process reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to accountability and due process.
Mudavadi expressed concern that the Secretary-General’s report (A/80/644) did not reflect these conclusions, prompting the government to direct its missions in Geneva and New York to engage UN offices to correct what he termed as inaccuracies and safeguard the reputation of personnel deployed under the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
He said Kenya assumed leadership of the mission as part of its responsibility as a UN member state to help restore stability, security and human rights in Haiti, despite operational challenges and domestic opposition.
Mudavadi also criticised what he described as media-driven sensationalism around the allegations, saying the government strongly objects to such portrayals.
He emphasised that the mission has been guided by key UN Security Council resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 2699 and UN Security Council Resolution 2793, with a strong focus on civilian protection, prevention of sexual violence and adherence to human rights standards.
According to the PCS, Kenyan personnel received continuous training in human rights and civilian protection in collaboration with UN officers, maintaining high levels of professionalism and discipline throughout the deployment.
“No reports have identified any misconduct, underscoring the mission’s respect for human rights,” he said.
Mudavadi added that Kenya’s performance has bolstered international confidence, evidenced by support pledged during the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) conference, with lessons from the MSS mission shaping preparations for incoming contingents.
He, however, acknowledged the sacrifices made, including the deaths of three Kenyan officers — Samuel Tomoi Kaetuai, Benedict Kabiru and Kennedy Nzuve — and injuries sustained by others.
Despite the challenges, he said the mission has remained steadfast in upholding transparency and professionalism.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to supporting Haiti’s long-term stability and ensuring a smooth transition from the MSS to the GSF, stressing that the international community must continue backing Haiti in its pursuit of lasting peace and security.
Kenya has been involved in peacekeeping missions under the UN framework for several years, contributing to stability in conflict-affected regions. The deployment of Kenyan forces to Haiti is part of a broader international effort to restore order and support human rights in the country, which has faced significant challenges, including political instability and violence. The allegations against the Kenyan forces have raised concerns about the conduct of peacekeepers, prompting investigations to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of the mission.
