Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi has raised alarm over the alleged killing of more than 500 livestock during a security operation in Waso Ward, Samburu East Constituency, and demanded investigations into the incident.
Addressing the Senate, Ltumbesi alleged that security officers killed 415 goats and 102 cattle over a three-day period, while two residents were shot and wounded.
The senator said the officers were reportedly from the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and questioned the circumstances and objectives of the operation.
According to Ltumbesi, the first incident occurred on Saturday at Losesia, where 15 goats belonging to the Lekilwai family and two cattle were allegedly shot dead.
He said hundreds more animals were allegedly killed on Monday at Nolng'erdeed.
Ltumbesi told the Senate that 400 goats belonging to the Lekalantula family and 100 calves belonging to the Lesurmaat, Laigwanani and Lolpuranai families were allegedly killed during the operation.
He further said two residents, identified as Leapem and Lesidiya, sustained gunshot wounds at Nolng'erdeed and Losesia respectively.
The lawmaker questioned the results of the operation, noting that, according to his account, no bandit had been arrested and no stolen livestock had been recovered.
He called on Interior Cabinet Secretary and National Administration and the Inspector-General of Police to disclose the legal basis and objectives of the operation, the units and commanders involved, who authorised it and who ordered the alleged destruction of livestock.
Ltumbesi also demanded a comprehensive record of the operation, including the number of animals killed, people injured, arrests made and stolen livestock recovered.
He called for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Internal Affairs Unit to investigate the allegations, and demanded that officers implicated be suspended pending the outcome of the investigations.
The senator further called for treatment and compensation for the two residents allegedly shot during the operation.
He also urged the government to provide relief, compensation and restocking support to families whose livestock was allegedly destroyed.
Ltumbesi said security agencies should instead engage community elders and National Police Reservists while pursuing those responsible for banditry.
He warned that security operations should not leave pastoralist communities impoverished, arguing that livestock remains a critical source of food, education, healthcare, savings and social security for families in the region.
