Security operation in Samburu sparks protests over killing of hundreds of livestock

The operation followed a series of violent incidents involving suspected bandits operating across the Samburu-Isiolo border.

Tensions escalated after an Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) team tracking stolen livestock was attacked in the Gotu area of Isiolo County. Two ASTU officers, a National Police Reservist (NPR) and two civilians were killed in the incident.

Another NPR officer was later shot while escorting Safaricom staff after their vehicle was reportedly targeted by gunmen.

The incidents prompted calls from leaders and residents in Isiolo for increased security operations to address banditry and recover stolen livestock.

Authorities subsequently launched a multi-agency operation in parts of Samburu East.

Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit said his administration had supported the security operation, whose stated objectives included recovering livestock stolen from Isiolo and removing illegal firearms from the area.

However, the governor criticised the manner in which the operation was conducted, saying livestock belonging to residents had been killed.

"The outcome has been beyond measure, resulting in severe human rights violations, atrocities, and the indiscriminate killing of livestock," Lelelit said during a press conference.

The reported livestock deaths have also been raised in the Senate, where Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi called for accountability over the operation.

Figures presented in the Senate indicated that 415 goats and 102 cattle were killed in Waso Ward over a period of three days.

Samburu East MP Jackson Lekumontare also visited affected areas and met residents and local security committees.

Lekumontare said his assessment showed that more than 700 goats, 500 cattle and several donkeys had been killed. The figures could not immediately be independently verified.

The MP criticised the security operation and called for investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the animals.

He also urged security agencies to distinguish between individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activity and other residents, arguing that security operations should be targeted at suspected perpetrators.

The reports of livestock killings have led to protests by residents in Samburu East, with demonstrators calling for an end to the operation and investigations into the conduct of security officers.

Samburu Woman Representative Pauline Lenguris and local elders have also called for accountability and urged the national government to address the concerns raised by residents.

The leaders have called for an independent investigation into the operation, including the circumstances surrounding the deaths of livestock and reports of injuries among residents.

The security operation comes amid continuing concerns over banditry and livestock theft in the region, with authorities facing pressure to address insecurity while ensuring that operations comply with the law and protect civilians and their property.