NAIROBI, Oct 10 (NNN-KBC) — The High Court has temporarily blocked the planned deployment of 1,000 Kenyan Police officers to Haiti.
Justice Chacha Mwita issued the orders on Monday pending the hearing of a petition filed by the Thirdway Alliance Kenya and two others.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents from deploying police officers to HAITI or ANY OTHER COUNTRY until 24th October, 2023,” the order reads in part.
The judge also ordered that the pleadings be served on the respondents immediately and the respondents to file their responses to the petition.
The petitioners will have 3 days after service to file and serve a supplementary affidavit, if any, together with written submissions to the petition, not exceeding 10 pages.
“Once served, the respondents will have 3 days to file and serve written submissions to the petition, also not exceeding 10 pages,” the order reads.
In the petition, Thirdway Alliance Party Leader Ekuru Aukot argues that the deployement of police officer to Haiti is in violation of the constitution and can only be done in accordance with the law.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and National Assembly Speaker are among the respondents in the petition.
The court is scheduled to issue further directions on the matter on 24th October, 2023.
In July, Kenya pledged to offer 1,000 police officers after Haiti appealed for international help with security personnel to assist in its battle against gangs blamed for spiralling violence.
The United Nations estimates some 200,000 Haitians have been displaced during escalating violence, with armed gangs carrying out indiscriminate killings, kidnappings, gang rapes and torching people’s homes. — NNN-KBC