Residents of Samburu East have petitioned the National Assembly to summon Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to explain the loss of 517 livestock during a security operation in Waso ward. The operation, which took place on September 19, involved the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU). The petitioners claim that officers shot and killed 415 goats and 102 cattle belonging to local families.
The security operation was aimed at taming cases of banditry and cattle rustling in the area. However, the residents allege that the officers targeted innocent civilians and their property instead of suspected criminals. Samburu East MCA Kelvin Lemantan had previously stated that suspected criminals had already fled the area, leaving innocent civilians to bear the consequences.
The residents are seeking an independent investigation into the conduct of the operation and the circumstances under which civilian livestock was allegedly targeted. They are also demanding full and prompt compensation for all families verified to have lost livestock or suffered injury in the operation. Furthermore, they want Parliament to recommend disciplinary or legal action against officers found to have acted unlawfully.
Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi raised the matter in the Senate on September 24, demanding an explanation and accountability for the losses. However, the residents claim that no independent investigation, public accounting, or compensation framework has been instituted over the losses suffered by affected families.
The residents emphasized that livestock forms the primary economic base of Samburu pastoralists, serving as savings, insurance, dowry, and a source of school fees and medical care. They accused security agencies of acting contrary to professionalism, discipline, and human rights standards, citing the Minority and Marginalised Populations Policy 2025.
The petitioners also want the National Assembly to demand a report from the National Police Service on measures to ensure future security operations in pastoralist areas distinguish between organised criminal actors and innocent residents. They cited the need for the state to protect the livelihoods and economic base of pastoralist communities.
The issue has sparked widespread concern, with many leaders and residents calling for accountability and action. The National Assembly is yet to respond to the petition, but it is clear that the incident has highlighted the need for security agencies to exercise restraint and professionalism in their operations.
Key points
- Residents of Samburu East demand an independent investigation into the killing of 517 livestock during a police operation
- The petitioners want IG Kanja and other security officials to account for the losses and face disciplinary action if found to have acted unlawfully
- The incident has sparked concerns about the conduct of security operations in pastoralist areas and the need for state protection of livelihoods and economic base of marginalised communities
