Kenyan police officers serving under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti have made a decisive move against criminal gangs, cementing their role in stabilizing the troubled nation.
In a daring night raid, the officers, working alongside the Haitian National Police (PNH), stormed and recaptured the strategic Télcos Station from the notorious Haiti gang led by the feared figure “Izo2.”
The well-coordinated operation not only dealt heavy blows to the gang’s structure but also restored safety to residents who had endured weeks of violent disruption.
Kenyan Forces Reclaim Télcos Station from Notorious Haiti Gang
The raid, conducted in the early hours of Monday, August 25, showcased the growing effectiveness of joint operations between MSS Haiti and the Haitian National Police. The Télcos Station had been under the grip of the gang for weeks, turning it into a hub of extortion and lawlessness.
The operation, which lasted three hours from 1am to 4am, involved intense exchanges of gunfire. Kenyan officers, backed by Haitian counterparts, executed a methodical door-to-door sweep that dismantled armed resistance and left gang operatives cornered.
According to an official statement, those attempting to flee or hide were apprehended, while others abandoned weapons during the sweep.
The MSS confirmed that a cache of weapons, ammunition, and materials was seized and handed to the PNH for further investigation. This haul is expected to significantly weaken the gang’s capacity to regroup and launch retaliatory strikes.
Restoration of Movement and Security
One of the immediate victories of the raid was the clearance of roadblocks that gangs had erected along key routes leading to Télcos and Kenscoff. For weeks, these barricades had not only restricted movement but also created fear among residents who relied on the routes for daily activities.
Officials close to the mission reported that restoring these roads has reopened safe passage, allowing communities to resume normalcy. The psychological impact has been equally significant, with residents now regaining confidence in the security forces’ ability to reclaim control from gangs.
PNH Director General Vladimir Paraison emphasized that the joint operation had sent a clear message: the days of unchecked gang dominance are coming to an end. MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge echoed the sentiment, declaring that more tactical raids were planned to dismantle entrenched networks across Port-au-Prince and its outskirts.
Kenyan Leadership Tested Amid US Concerns
The raid comes at a time when the leadership role of Kenya in the MSS mission is under scrutiny. Reports in Washington indicate that the United States is considering a shake-up that could see overall command shifted from Kenya to another country. The push also includes a proposal to double the number of foreign forces in Haiti.
Despite this uncertainty, nearly 1,000 Kenyan officers continue to hold a crucial frontline role, having been in the Caribbean nation for close to a year. Their latest success at Télcos strengthens Kenya’s case for continued leadership, proving that their tactical expertise and resilience are yielding tangible results.
Security analysts argue that Kenya’s performance in Haiti has regional and global implications. By spearheading such daring raids, Nairobi is not only showcasing its growing international policing capacity but also building its reputation as a reliable security partner. At the same time, the US debate signals that geopolitics, resource allocation, and perceptions of efficiency could reshape the mission’s future leadership.
Conclusion
The daring raid led by Kenyan officers in Haiti marks a turning point in the fight against the notorious Haiti gang and its reign of terror. By reclaiming the Télcos Station, clearing roadblocks, and seizing weapons, the MSS mission has restored a sense of safety and order to communities long trapped in fear.
While questions linger over the mission’s leadership amid US concerns, one fact remains clear: Kenyan forces have demonstrated both courage and capability, proving that the battle against gangs in Haiti can be won through strategy, resolve, and international cooperation.
