Samburu, Kenya | September 28, 2026

Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit has called on the national government to compensate 43 families whose livestock were allegedly killed during an ongoing security operation in the county, with the losses estimated at KSh70 million.

Lelelit spoke on Monday at Archers' Post Police Station, where he accompanied representatives of more than 40 affected families as they recorded formal reports over the reported deaths of their animals.

According to the governor, more than 700 cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys belonging to the families were allegedly shot and killed during the operation, while other animals were left injured with bullet wounds. The figures and estimated losses presented by the governor had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.

Lelelit called for an investigation to establish what happened during the operation and determine whether the actions taken by security officers were lawful. He said his administration supported the national government's efforts to restore security and tackle banditry but maintained that such operations should not result in the destruction of property belonging to civilians.

The governor urged the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to assess the reported losses and compensate families whose claims are verified.

He also raised concerns over the reported displacement of residents as the security operation continues, estimating that more than 15,000 people from Waso, Wamba East, Wamba West and Wamba North wards had left their homes over safety concerns.

The reported losses have added to concerns among pastoralist families, for whom livestock are a major source of food, income, education expenses and household savings.

The security operation was launched following a series of violent incidents and livestock theft along the Samburu-Isiolo border. Reports said the multi-agency operation was intended to recover stolen livestock, pursue suspected bandits and address the circulation of illegal firearms.

However, residents and local leaders have raised allegations that livestock belonging to civilian families were killed during the operation. Residents of Samburu East have separately petitioned the National Assembly to summon Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and senior security officials over the reported loss of 517 animals in Waso Ward.

The residents' petition cited 415 goats and 102 cattle allegedly killed between September 19 and 21.

The figures have not been fully reconciled. While Lelelit put the reported losses at more than 700 animals, the residents' petition cited 517, while the Samburu Professionals Association separately said preliminary information had accounted for at least 717 animals, including 415 goats, 352 cattle and 50 donkeys.

The differing figures have increased calls for an independent assessment to establish the actual number of animals killed, the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and the value of losses suffered by affected families.

Samburu leaders have maintained that efforts to tackle banditry should continue but have urged security agencies to distinguish between suspected criminals and civilian communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on livestock.

Diba Lenanyankera, an elder and member of a local peace committee, called for dialogue between security agencies and community representatives to address the concerns raised by residents. He also urged leaders from Samburu and Isiolo to exercise restraint and avoid statements that could further heighten tensions.

Waso Member of County Assembly Kelvin Lemantaan also called for calm among residents who had fled their homes, urging them to return where security conditions allow.

As affected families await investigations, Lelelit is pressing the national government to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported livestock deaths and provide compensation where losses are verified.

The controversy has renewed attention on the challenge of balancing security operations with the protection of civilian property and livelihoods in pastoralist communities, as authorities continue efforts to address banditry and livestock theft in the region.