The sudden death of the renowned journalist Liliane Pierre-Paul earlier this week has overshadowed the debate about Kenya's proposal to lead the multinational force to assist Haiti, a country held hostage by armed gangs that bring mourning and suffocate the economy. The United States and Canada have welcomed the Kenyan proposal, and the Dominican Republic, active in lobbying for international community involvement in resolving the Haitian crisis, also rejoices. Prime Minister Ariel Henry and Foreign Affairs Minister Jean Généus have publicly expressed their welcome to Kenya. Only the vote of the United Nations Security Council is left to finalize the Kenyan proposition.

In a context where countries are not rushing to lead an international armed force in Haiti, a country sinking deeper into violence and ungovernability each day, it is understandable that the Kenyan proposal is well-received by Haiti's neighbors. While some may see this East African country as a blind person leading another blind person, others view it as a good choice since Kenya faces similar problems to those of Haiti. It will be like navigating in familiar territory.