Rigathi Gachagua speaking during a public engagement in the United States
Former Deputy President and Democratic Alliance Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the reported killing of livestock during a security operation in Samburu County.
Speaking from Texas in the United States, Gachagua criticised the government’s handling of the security operation along the Samburu-Isiolo border. He questioned why livestock belonging to pastoralist families were affected during an operation targeting banditry and livestock theft.
The controversy followed a multi-agency security operation in the region. Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi said officers killed 415 goats and 102 cattle during the exercise. He also reported that two residents were shot and wounded during the operation.
However, community groups have reported higher figures as affected families continue documenting their losses. The Samburu Professionals Association reported a preliminary total of 717 animals, including cattle, goats and donkeys.
Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit said 43 families had suffered livestock losses following the operation. On September 28, Lelelit said county leaders were seeking about KSh70 million in compensation for the affected families.
Gachagua Questions Security Operation
Gachagua argued that security agencies should focus on suspected bandits instead of destroying the livelihoods of ordinary pastoralist families. He described the reported livestock killings as a serious blow to communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on livestock.
He also criticised the government’s handling of wider concerns affecting the Maa community. Gachagua has raised issues surrounding land, security and development while engaging communities across the Rift Valley.
Meanwhile, local leaders have called for investigations into the operation and the circumstances surrounding the livestock deaths. Ltumbesi has called for investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Internal Affairs Unit.
The senator has also demanded details about the operation’s authorisation, command structure and rules of engagement. The calls come as affected families seek clarity over the reported losses and possible compensation.
Gachagua Plans Maa Elders Meetings
Gachagua said he plans to return to Kenya next month and meet Maa elders from several pastoralist regions. The planned engagements will include leaders and elders from Narok, Kajiado, Samburu, Baringo South, Laikipia North and Laisamis.
According to Gachagua, the meetings will focus on security, livelihoods, land concerns and other issues affecting pastoralist communities. His planned engagements come ahead of the 2027 General Election, when political leaders are expected to intensify grassroots mobilisation.
For now, affected Samburu families continue seeking investigations, an accurate record of the livestock losses and possible compensation. The different figures reported by state officials, local leaders a
