Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans to meet with elders and members of the Maa community in Kenya. The meeting, scheduled for next month, aims to discuss the community's priorities ahead of the 2027 General Election. Gachagua, currently in Dallas, US, revealed he received calls from Maa community members in Samburu, Narok, and Kajiado, seeking his intervention over alleged injustices and inadequate representation.
Gachagua's engagement with the Maa community will focus on aligning priorities for the 2027 election. He plans to hold discussions with elders from Samburu, Narok, Kajiado, Baringo South, Laikipia North, and Laisamis constituencies. The talks will center on the community's future and protection of its pastoralist livelihoods. Gachagua emphasized his commitment to supporting efforts to protect the rights of the Maa community, which has faced historical injustices.
The meeting follows recent incidents of livestock killings during a security operation in Samburu East. Gachagua condemned the killings, questioning the circumstances under which the animals were shot. He demanded that community leaders push for accountability, asking why police officers were not deployed to protect the animals. The security operation was a response to violent incidents involving suspected bandits along the Samburu-Isiolo border.
The livestock killings have triggered protests and demands for an investigation. Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi reported that 415 goats and 102 cattle were allegedly killed during the operation. However, community-led documentation put reported losses at 717 animals, with figures subject to verification. Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit called for compensation for 43 affected families and expressed support for efforts to restore security.
Gachagua's pledge to support the Maa community comes ahead of the 2027 General Election. With 314 days, 17 hours, and 50 minutes to the election, politicians are engaging with various communities. Gachagua's move is seen as an effort to address historical injustices and concerns of the Maa community. His meeting with community elders will likely be closely watched.
The incident has sparked reactions from various leaders and stakeholders. The Anti-Stock Theft Unit team was pursuing stolen livestock when it was attacked in Gotu, Isiolo county, resulting in the deaths of two ASTU officers, a National Police Reservist, and two civilians. The security operation that followed has been widely criticized.
Gachagua's engagement with the Maa community is part of his efforts to engage with various groups ahead of the 2027 election. He has been interacting with different communities, listening to their concerns, and pledging support where necessary. The outcome of his meeting with the Maa community elders will be closely monitored.
Key points
- Gachagua to meet Maa community elders over rights and livestock killings
- The meeting aims to discuss priorities ahead of the 2027 General Election
- Gachagua condemns livestock killings, demands accountability
