Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the reported killing of more than 700 livestock in Samburu County during an ongoing security operation aimed at addressing banditry and livestock theft in the region.

The incident has attracted widespread attention after residents and local leaders reported that cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys were killed during a multi-agency security operation in parts of Samburu East. Different local sources have provided varying figures, and authorities had not independently verified the highest numbers reported at the time of publication.

According to reports published on September 29, 2026, Gachagua strongly criticised the reported destruction of livestock and linked the incident to the ongoing government security operation. His comments came amid growing demands from residents, county leaders and community organisations for investigations, accountability and possible compensation.

Gachagua said he was particularly concerned because livestock is central to the economic survival of many pastoralist families in Samburu and neighbouring counties. In his remarks, he questioned why animals belonging to ordinary residents would be caught up in an operation targeting suspected criminals.

The former Deputy President also criticised the national government and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over the manner in which the operation was conducted. These are Gachagua's political allegations and should be distinguished from independently established facts concerning the operation.

What Happened in Samburu?

The controversy emerged following a security operation launched in parts of Samburu East after a series of deadly incidents involving suspected bandits and security officers along the Samburu-Isiolo area.

Citizen Digital reported that the operation followed attacks in which security officers and civilians were killed. Authorities subsequently increased security operations in an effort to recover stolen livestock, trace illegal firearms and deal with suspected armed criminal groups operating in the area.

However, the operation became controversial after residents reported that livestock belonging to local families had been shot.

The Standard reported that residents petitioned Parliament to summon Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and senior commanders from the General Service Unit and Anti-Stock Theft Unit to explain the circumstances surrounding the deaths of livestock during the operation. The residents said 415 goats and 102 cattle had been killed during the September 19 operation, while two residents were also reportedly injured.

Other assessments have produced higher figures.

The Samburu Professionals Association reported a preliminary total of 717 animals, comprising 415 goats, 352 cattle and 50 donkeys. The organisation stressed that the figure was still being documented and could change as teams reached more affected families.

Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit also reported that more than 700 animals belonging to dozens of families had allegedly been killed, putting the estimated value of the losses at approximately KSh70 million. People Daily noted that the figures had not been independently verified at the time of its report.

Gachagua's Response

Gachagua has described the reported killing of livestock as unacceptable and said pastoralist communities should not lose their livelihoods because of a security operation.

He specifically criticised the use of force against livestock and argued that security agencies should distinguish between suspected criminals and ordinary residents who depend on their animals for survival.

Gachagua also accused President William Ruto's administration and Murkomen of responsibility for the incident. Those accusations are political claims by Gachagua and have not been established as independent findings.

He further alleged that the operation could have wider economic and land-related implications for the Maa community. Such allegations remain claims made by Gachagua and should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence.

His comments have nevertheless added political pressure on the government to explain what happened and address the concerns of affected residents.

Livestock Is Central to Samburu Livelihoods

The controversy has taken on particular significance because of the importance of livestock to pastoralist communities.

For many households in Samburu, cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys are not simply sources of meat or milk. Livestock can serve as household savings, provide money for school fees and medical expenses, and play an important role in social and cultural practices.

The Samburu Professionals Association said the reported losses could affect food security, education, healthcare and the ability of families to recover financially. The organisation has therefore called for a transparent process to document the animals reportedly killed and determine the losses suffered by individual households.

Samburu county officials have similarly called for an official stocktaking exercise. The county's Chief Officer for Environment and Natural Resources, Lenas Leshore, said authorities should establish the number of animals killed, their condition and their market value before determining compensation.

Government Defends Security Operation

The government has maintained that the security operation is necessary because of the threat posed by banditry and illegal firearms in the region.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended the operation, saying security agencies would continue pursuing people involved in attacks and illegal activities. He acknowledged that livestock had been killed but directed security officers to exercise maximum caution to prevent unnecessary harm to civilians and their animals.

Murkomen's position highlights the difficult balance facing authorities: the government has a responsibility to address armed criminal activity and protect communities, while security operations must also protect innocent civilians and their property.

The Interior CS said the heightened security operations were intelligence-led and aimed at dealing with people possessing illegal firearms and those attacking security officers, civilians and livestock.

Calls for Investigation

The reported livestock deaths have resulted in calls for an independent investigation.

Residents want authorities to establish who authorised the operation, the rules of engagement used by officers, and the circumstances in which livestock were allegedly shot.

They are also asking Parliament and security authorities to establish whether officers acted within the law and whether affected families should receive compensation.

Governor Lati Lelelit has supported efforts to restore security but has argued that protecting residents must include protecting their property. He has called for an investigation and compensation for families whose losses are verified.

Samburu leaders have also urged residents to remain calm while the matter is investigated and have called for dialogue between security agencies, community leaders and elders.

The Bigger Security Challenge

The controversy comes against a background of longstanding banditry, cattle rustling and illegal firearms in northern Kenya.

Security agencies face pressure to prevent attacks and recover stolen livestock, particularly following incidents in which police officers and civilians have been killed. At the same time, pastoralist communities depend heavily on livestock and are vulnerable when animals are lost through drought, disease, theft or conflict.

The Samburu incident therefore raises broader questions about how security operations can be conducted in pastoralist areas without causing unnecessary damage to civilian livelihoods.

An accurate and independent assessment of the livestock deaths could help establish the actual number of animals lost and identify the affected families. It could also provide a basis for determining whether compensation or other forms of assistance are appropriate.

For Gachagua, the incident has become an issue of political accountability and protection of pastoralist communities. For the government, the challenge remains maintaining security while ensuring that operations are conducted professionally and minimise harm to civilians and their property.

As calls for accountability continue, the central questions remain the same: how many animals were actually killed, under what circumstances did the deaths occur, who was responsible, and what assistance should be provided to families whose livelihoods were affected?

Those questions will require credible investigations, proper documentation and transparent engagement with the affected communities.