Pastoralists receive cattle during the compensation handover at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Three governors led the cattle handover as affected families sought more than Ksh70 million over livestock losses during a security operation.
Samburu cattle compensation began with the handover of 435 cows to residents whose animals police killed during a security operation. Three governors led the distribution on November 8 at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu joined Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit and Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku for the handover. The distribution took place during the Maa Cultural and Tourism Event.
Hundreds of pastoralists received cattle at the gathering, which also included cultural activities and cleansing ceremonies.
Families seek Samburu cattle compensation and accountability
Affected residents have sought more than Ksh70 million in government compensation for livestock losses involving 43 families. Local leaders say police killed more than 700 animals during the multi-agency operation.
On October 2, Lelelit led residents in presenting a petition to the National Assembly Security Committee. They demanded compensation and accountability for alleged abuses during the crackdown.
The governor said the victims were innocent and argued that the government should compensate them for officers’ mistakes. He also said Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had acknowledged transgressions during the operation.
However, officials and community leaders have given different figures for the livestock losses. Lelelit and other leaders placed the total between 700 and 764 animals, while Murkomen cited police records listing 237.
Local leaders and the Maa Association said the losses devastated families, destroying livelihoods and food supplies. They also said affected households had lost their ability to pay school fees.
Security operation followed deadly attacks
Meanwhile, Samburu pastoralists and leaders protested at government offices and Parliament in October 2026, demanding compensation for their livestock.
Murkomen initially rejected the compensation demands, citing the lack of a legal framework. However, he promised accountability if investigations found that police officers had unlawfully killed the animals.
The multi-agency operation began on September 19 to tackle banditry, recover illegal firearms and restore order. It followed deadly attacks and cattle raids, including a September 16 ambush that killed five people.
Between June and September 2026, other violence across Samburu, Meru and Isiolo killed 14 people and injured 17.
