Murkomen rules out compensation for livestock killed in Samburu operation

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen now says there’s no compensation for the hundreds of livestock killed during a multi-agency security operation in Samburu County.

Speaking when he appeared before the National Assembly Internal Security and National Administration Committee on Wednesday, Murkomen disputed reports from leaders of the region that over 700 livestock were killed, saying the figure had been inflated.

Leaders had said that ten days ago security officers drawn from the elite General Service Unit and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit reportedly opened fire, killing scores of animals in Waso Ward in Samburu County.

Murkomen, who was accompanied by top security chiefs in the country, ruled out any compensation for the families that lost their livestock during the attack, despite demands by the county leadership.

“If I were to say we are compensating people, I would be opening a Pandora’s box. That’s not the only place where livestock was stolen. I cannot be that reckless as a minister. We don’t have that budgetary line in the ministry and legally speaking, we cannot compensate,” he said.

“There’s been a figure of 700 that has been circulating, but the number was 237 and we have the OB."

Murkomen added that investigations were ongoing to bring to book the perpetrators involved.

The CS added that infrastructural development in the troubled region will provide a long-lasting solution.

“Development will sort this problem. You should ask yourself why there are no bandits in Eldoret or Kitale? I implore you to restore security roads funding to the Ministry of Interior,” he added.

However, a section of the community members led by Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit, who presented a petition to Parliament on the security situation, maintained that the government had no option but to pay.

“Mimi naomba Waziri Murkomen, kwa sababu tayari tumekubali serikali ndiyo imeua wanyama, ile tunaitisha kama jamii ni fidia,” said Lelelit.

Petitioner Lenas Leshore added, “This was a case of mistaken identity. We will not accept anything short of compensation.”

Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, on her part, said, “You make promises and you don't fulfill them, that is why communities feel the urge to arm themselves.”