Samburu County leaders are calling for a swift damage assessment and stocktaking after a police operation in Samburu East resulted in the killing of several livestock. The leaders argue that this will help determine the magnitude of losses incurred and pave the way for compensation of those affected. According to reports, over 717 animals have been killed, including 415 goats, 352 cattle, and 50 donkeys.
Speaking at Losesia area on Sunday, Samburu County Government's Chief Officer for Environment and Natural Resources Lenas Leshore emphasized the need for the National government to acknowledge and take responsibility for the damage caused. He also urged the government to roll out an immediate support programme for affected families who have lost their source of livelihood. Leshore stressed that the government should prepare a register of all the animals killed, including their condition and market value, to facilitate compensation.
Leshore expressed regret that similar incidents have occurred in the past where animals were killed by security apparatus without compensation. He urged leaders and professionals from the region to unite and compel the government to take responsibility for the damage caused. Leshore also suggested that the livestock should be compensated based on their condition and market value, rather than a flat rate price.
The area has turned into a feast ground for vultures, feeding on the over 700 carcasses for the last five days. The local community members in Losesia are now living in fear, courtesy of the government that is supposed to protect them. Former Wamba West MCA Benjamin Leitore called for urgent government interventions to restore normalcy for the affected households.
The Samburu County leaders are demanding that the government takes immediate action to address the situation. They argue that the loss of livestock has significant impacts on the local communities, who rely on them as a source of livelihood. The leaders are also calling for appropriate action from the Department of Public Health to ensure that the carcasses do not cause health complications.
The incident has sparked concerns about the government's handling of security operations in the region. The local community is now calling for support and compensation to help them recover from the losses incurred. The government has yet to respond to the demands made by the Samburu County leaders.
The Samburu County leaders' demands come as the community struggles to come to terms with the significant losses incurred. The incident highlights the need for the government to balance security operations with the need to protect human rights and livelihoods.
Key points
- Samburu County leaders demand swift damage assessment and stocktaking after police operation kills over 717 livestock.
- The government is urged to acknowledge and take responsibility for the damage caused and roll out an immediate support programme for affected families.
- The leaders argue that livestock should be compensated based on their condition and market value.
