Samburu residents pressure Murkomen, Kanja to resign over livestock killings

Residents of Samburu County are demanding that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja resign in the wake of a security operation that allegedly killed hundreds of livestock. The government has been given a 24-hour deadline to explain what transpired during the operation and compensate families whose animals were lost.

The operation was triggered by bandit attacks along the Samburu-Isiolo border, with security forces attempting to recover stolen livestock, apprehend bandits and seize unauthorized weapons. However, the operation has left many Samburu residents counting losses as numerous cattle, goats and donkeys were killed. These animals are vital for pastoralist families, serving as sources of food, income and school fees.

A resident of Samburu East stated, "We are suffering in every corner. We suffered because of those who... due to our struggle against banditry, we are being persecuted, but this government, instead of protecting, defending and securing us, is harming us." Another questioned the decision to use force against livestock while acknowledging potential mistakes during the operation.

"We admit there are mistakes, there are losses, but why are our cattle treated this way? We depend on them." Anger has now directed towards top security officials, with residents demanding responsibility from Murkomen and Kanja. Families whose animals were killed demand immediate compensation. Despite supporting government efforts to combat banditry, residents question why livestock were caught up in the operation.

They seek answers on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and accountability for the actions that led to the loss of livestock. Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit acknowledged the banditry issue across the region but called for a broader approach to addressing insecurity, emphasizing the need for community involvement and government support.