Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi has called for investigations into an alleged security operation in Waso Ward, Samburu East, in which hundreds of livestock were reportedly killed and two residents shot and injured.
Ltumbesi told the Senate that at least 415 goats and 102 cattle were allegedly killed by security officers over three days, with officers said to have been drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU) and Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU).
The senator is now demanding that the government account for the operation, including who authorised it, the units involved and the legal basis for the actions taken.
“On Monday, the same officers massacred 400 goats belonging to the Lekalantula family and 100 calves belonging to the Lesurmaat, Laigwanani and Lolpuranai families at Nolng’erdeed area,” Lelegwe told the Senate during senate mashinani session in Kilifi County.
ALSO READ:Senate Hears Coast Human Rights concerns on Land, GBV and Civic Space
Questions over the security operation
According to Ltumbesi, 15 goats belonging to the Lekilwai family and two cattle were allegedly shot dead at Losesia on Saturday.
He said the situation escalated on Monday when about 400 goats belonging to the Lekalantula family and 100 cattle belonging to the Lesurmaat, Laigwanani and Lolpuranai families were allegedly killed at Nolng’erdeed.
Two residents, identified as Leapem and Lesidiya, were also allegedly shot and injured at Nolng’erdeed and Losesia respectively.
Ltumbesi questioned the outcome of the operation, saying there had been no reported arrests of suspected bandits or recovery of stolen livestock linked to the operation.
He has asked the Interior Cabinet Secretary and the Inspector General of Police to provide details on the operation, including its objectives, commanders, participating units and the officer who allegedly ordered the killing of livestock.
“Not one bandit has been reported arrested. Not one stolen animal has been reported recovered,”
The senator also wants a verified record showing the number of animals killed, people injured, arrests made and stolen livestock recovered.
Ltumbesi has called for investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Internal Affairs Unit. He wants officers implicated in the alleged shootings and livestock killings to be suspended pending investigations, followed by disciplinary or criminal action where wrongdoing is established.
The senator also called for medical treatment and compensation for the two residents who were allegedly shot.
ALSO READ:Taita Taveta seeks answers on suicide cases as county reviews mental health response
Livestock losses threaten household livelihoods
Beyond the security questions, Ltumbesi highlighted the economic impact of livestock losses on Samburu pastoralist families.
He said livestock serves as a source of food, school fees, medical expenses, savings and social support for many households.
He is seeking compensation at market value and restocking for families whose animals were allegedly destroyed, alongside relief and social protection for other affected households.
Ltumbesi has also called for an immediate halt to what he described as the targeting of livestock during security operations and urged authorities to engage community elders and National Police Reservists.
“Why are pastoralists subjected to a harsher and crueller standard than any other Kenyan?” he asked.
He said the government should instead pursue those responsible for banditry while ensuring security operations comply with constitutional and legal safeguards.
The allegations raised in the Senate now place the focus on how security operations in pastoralist areas are conducted, the protection of civilian livelihoods and the accountability mechanisms available when residents and their property are allegedly harmed during such operations.
Leave a Reply