Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi has called for investigations into the alleged killing of hundreds of livestock and the shooting of two residents during a security operation in Waso Ward, Samburu East Constituency.
Speaking in the Senate, Ltumbesi claimed that at least 415 goats and 102 cattle had been killed by security officers within three days, while two residents sustained gunshot wounds.
The senator said the officers involved were reportedly drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and challenged the government to explain the circumstances surrounding the operation.
Ltumbesi said 15 goats belonging to the Lekilwai family and two cattle were allegedly shot dead at Losesia on Saturday.
He told the Senate that the situation escalated two days later when officers allegedly killed 400 goats belonging to the Lekalantula family and 100 calves belonging to the Lesurmaat, Laigwanani and Lolpuranai families at Nolng’erdeed.
He further alleged that two residents, Leapem and Lesidiya, were shot and wounded at Nolng’erdeed and Losesia respectively.
The senator questioned the outcome of the operation, saying no suspected bandits had been reported arrested and no stolen livestock recovered.
He said livestock was central to the economic and social wellbeing of Samburu pastoralist families, serving as a source of food, education, healthcare, dowry and savings.
Ltumbesi challenged the Interior Cabinet Secretary and the Inspector-General of Police to explain the legal basis, objectives and command structure of the operation, including who authorised it and who ordered the alleged killing of livestock.
He also demanded a verified record detailing the number of animals allegedly killed, people injured, arrests made and stolen livestock recovered.
The senator called for investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Internal Affairs Unit, and urged that officers allegedly involved be suspended pending investigations.
Ltumbesi also called for medical treatment and compensation for the two residents he said were shot, as well as relief, compensation and restocking for families whose livestock was allegedly destroyed.
He urged the government to halt what he described as the targeting of livestock during security operations and instead strengthen engagement with community elders and National Police Reservists while pursuing those responsible for banditry.
He warned that impoverishing pastoralist communities in the name of fighting insecurity could undermine government efforts to improve livelihoods and development in the region.
