Samburu residents demand Ksh.70M compensation after police kill over 700 livestock

Residents of Samburu County are seeking Ksh.70 million in compensation from the government after more than 700 livestock belonging to 43 families were killed by police during a security operation in Samburu East.

Led by Governor Lati Lelelit, the residents presented a petition to the National Assembly’s Security Committee, demanding compensation for the losses and what they describe as atrocities committed during the operation.

“We have talked to the victims. They are innocent, and even the CS for Interior admitted there were transgressions in the operation. We are not asking for too much, but compensation for their mistakes,” said Governor Lelelit.

Representatives of the community presented a petition to the National Assembly Committee on Security at Parliament Buildings, calling on President William Ruto to intervene and address their grievances.

For the residents, the loss goes beyond the value of the animals.

Raphael Lenayara, a resident, said: “This is economic sabotage to our people. This is like burning coffee farms or tea farms. There is no other economic sabotage other than this.”

Maa Association Chairman Jonathan Ole Pasha added: “The entire Maa community are pained, extremely pained, and we are suffering psychologically, economically, and we have stress as a community.”

For students from the affected families, the loss of livestock could disrupt their education, with some fearing they may not return to school next term as families struggle to pay fees

Feline Lendira, a student, said: “I won't be there since my dad, all the cows have gone. Everything is gone. How am I going to study?”

Ramati Meshack, a Samburu resident: “The students from that place we are coming from, they won't be able to afford school fees next semester.”