A security operation in Samburu East has triggered protests and calls for an independent investigation after hundreds of goats and cattle were reportedly killed during a crackdown linked to banditry and livestock theft.
The operation followed a series of violent incidents along the Samburu-Isiolo border. Tensions rose after an Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) team pursuing suspected livestock thieves was attacked in Gotu, Isiolo County. Two ASTU officers, a National Police Reservist and two civilians were killed, according to reports. Another reservist was later shot while escorting Safaricom staff after their vehicle was reportedly targeted by gunmen.
Security operation launched in Samburu East
The attacks prompted calls for stronger security measures and the recovery of stolen livestock. Authorities subsequently launched a multi-agency operation in parts of Samburu East.
Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit said his administration had supported the operation, whose stated aims included recovering livestock stolen from Isiolo and removing illegal firearms.
But the governor criticised the way the operation was carried out, saying residents’ livestock had been killed.
“The outcome has been beyond measure, resulting in severe human rights violations, atrocities, and the indiscriminate killing of livestock,” Lelelit said.
The governor’s office identifies him as the current governor of Samburu County.
Senate raises questions over livestock deaths
The scale of the reported losses has also drawn attention in the Senate.
Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi told senators that 415 goats and 102 cattle were killed in Waso Ward over three days. He said the operation involved officers from the General Service Unit and ASTU.
Ltumbesi called for an investigation into the operation, including its legal basis, command structure and the officers who authorised it. He also called for an inquiry by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Internal Affairs Unit.
The senator said two residents were also shot and wounded during the operation.
Residents demand accountability
Local leaders have given different estimates of the number of animals killed.
Samburu East MP Jackson Lekumontare said his assessment found that more than 700 goats, 500 cattle and several donkeys had died. Those figures have not been independently verified.
Other local reports have put the total at more than 765 animals, while residents and leaders continue to call for an official accounting.
Samburu East residents have since protested, demanding that the operation be halted and that the conduct of security officers be investigated.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda also criticised what she described as collective punishment of residents following the killings in neighbouring Isiolo. She said criminal acts by individuals should not result in violence or the loss of property belonging to other residents.
Security concerns remain
The dispute comes against a wider backdrop of livestock theft and armed attacks in northern Kenya. Government officials have said security operations in pastoralist areas are aimed at tackling banditry and recovering stolen animals.
The latest dispute highlights the challenge facing authorities: responding to insecurity while protecting civilians and their property. Local leaders are now seeking an independent account of what happened, including the number of animals killed, injuries reported and whether any arrests or recoveries were made.
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