Kenyan Troops in Haiti on High Alert as Gangs Plan Hostile Takeover, Trump Promises Support

Kenyan troops in Haiti have been placed on high alert following reports that a coalition of criminal gangs is plotting to seize power and force a change in governance as the Caribbean nation prepares for elections to restore constitutional rule.

The alert comes as the United States, under President Donald Trump,  reaffirmed its backing for the kenya - led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. 

A statement from the US Department of State on Sunday emphasised its support for efforts to stabilise the Caribbean nation amid threats from criminal gangs. 

''Following discussions between the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of State with Prime Minister of Barbados and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Mia Mottley, the United States supports the statement by CARICOM condemning any actions to destabilize Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council,'

''The United States supports the efforts by the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and CARICOM to assist the government in its efforts to bring peace and stability to Haiti in the face of armed criminal gangs.  The United States continues to consult with governments across the region.''

The reports of the criminal gangs planning to seize power from the current transitional council were revealed via a statement released by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, who doubles up as the chairperson of the CARRICOM. 

CARICOM raised concern that the attempted power grab—likely to destabilise the operations of Kenyan forces in the Caribbean nation—could worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis facing Haiti.

''CARICOM strongly condemns any attempt to replace the transitional arrangements by force and violence. These arrangements were put in place by Haitian stakeholders to pave the way for free and fair elections by February 07, 2026, and to return Haiti to constitutional authority," read a statement from CARICOM. 

In what could be a major boost for the contingent of Kenyan officers operating in Haiti, CARICOM has appealed to its international partners to provide urgent further security assistance to the nation. 

''CARICOM urges the international community, including the United Nations and the Organisation of American States, to take all necessary steps to support the Haitian authorities as they address this crisis,'' it added in the statement.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that as of mid-January, 1,041,000 Haitians were internally displaced, with many risking their lives to flee by any means possible.

In the past month alone, nearly 60,000 more have been displaced, amid growing fears that escalating violence will further endanger the most vulnerable.

Haiti is currently planning to conduct elections on February 7, 2026, to pave the way for elections and to return the nation to constitutional authority.