Faith Nyasuguta
In a surprising twist, notorious Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, widely known as Barbecue, has taken the lead in a public outcry against the alleged ruthlessness of Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti. Cherizier, who heads the powerful G9 Family and Allies coalition, has accused the Kenyan forces of excessive brutality, exacerbating the already volatile situation in the Caribbean nation.
Cherizier, a former elite police officer himself, has a notorious reputation for orchestrating violent uprisings and coordinating attacks on government institutions. His latest accusations come amid heightened tensions and ongoing violence in Haiti, where gangs have taken control of significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti was part of a United Nations-backed initiative aimed at stabilizing the country and curbing gang violence. However, Cherizier claims that the Kenyan officers have instead contributed to the chaos, using excessive force against civilians and gang members alike. “The Kenyan police are not here to help us; they are here to oppress us,” Cherizier declared in a recent video statement.
Kenya’s police force has long been criticized for its heavy-handed tactics and lack of accountability. According to a recent report, cases filed against Kenyan officers increased from 594 in 2012 to 3,583 in 2021, with a significant portion involving allegations of assault and extrajudicial killings.
The brutality of Kenyan police has been a subject of intense scrutiny, particularly during protests and public demonstrations. In June 2024, Kenyan police were heavily criticized for their violent response to protests against government tax hikes, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
The situation in Haiti has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations calling for an investigation into the conduct of the Kenyan police officers. “We are deeply concerned about the reports of excessive force used by the Kenyan police in Haiti,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. “There must be accountability for these actions, and the rights of Haitian citizens must be protected.”
Cherizier’s accusations have further complicated the already fraught relationship between the Haitian government and the international community. Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has struggled to maintain control amid the gang violence, is yet to respond to Cherizier’s claims.
The Haitian government had initially welcomed the deployment of Kenyan police as a potential solution to the escalating violence, but the recent allegations have cast doubt on the effectiveness of this intervention.
The allegations of brutality have sparked a broader conversation about the role of international forces in conflict zones and the need for stringent oversight to prevent abuses of power.
In the meantime, the people of Haiti remain caught in the crossfire, with Cherizier’s gang and the Kenyan police both contributing to the instability. The call for justice and accountability grows louder, as Haitians demand an end to the violence and a return to peace and stability in their troubled nation.
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