NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of mistreating Maasai communities, alleging that security officers killed livestock belonging to pastoralists during an operation in Samburu County.
Speaking in Texas, United States, Gachagua said he had received calls from members of the Maasai community in Samburu, Narok and Kajiado complaining about what they described as worsening hardship and grievances over land and security operations.
Gachagua Condemns Livestock Killings
Gachagua specifically criticised the reported killing of livestock in Samburu, claiming that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen deployed police officers who subsequently shot and killed cattle belonging to Maasai pastoralists.
“Cows that have done no wrong, that have not opposed William Ruto, that do not vote, that cannot say ‘one term’ or ‘Ruto must go’ were shot,” Gachagua said.
He described the reported killings as an affront to the community and accused the government of treating Maasai residents with contempt.
The allegations come amid a wider security operation in Samburu and Isiolo counties launched following deadly attacks linked to banditry and livestock theft. Local leaders and residents have separately reported the deaths of hundreds of livestock during the operation.
Interior CS Murkomen has acknowledged that livestock were killed during the operation and directed security agencies to exercise greater caution to minimise collateral damage. He has, however, defended the wider operation as part of efforts to tackle banditry and illegal firearms in the region.
Former DP Links Dispute To Land Claims
Gachagua also alleged that Maasai communities were facing a broader pattern of land loss.
He claimed that land belonging to Maasai clans at Kibiko had been taken and separately alleged that land in Amboseli, Kajiado County, had been taken from residents despite an earlier court order requiring its return.
He further alleged that Maasai land in Narok had been acquired for the construction of a hotel along a wildlife migration route.
Gachagua Raises Mineral Claims
The former deputy president also linked some of the alleged land acquisitions to mineral resources.
He claimed that parts of Maasai land in Samburu, Narok and Kajiado contain minerals, including lithium, and alleged that mineral interests could be among the reasons behind the disputes.
He also criticised local political leaders, accusing some elected representatives in Samburu and Narok of failing to speak out over the grievances raised by residents.
According to Gachagua, residents in the affected counties had asked him to raise the matter publicly and challenge the government over the reported livestock losses and land concerns.
Plans Return To Kenya
Gachagua said he intends to return to Kenya next month and meet communities affected by the disputes.
Meanwhile, calls for investigations into the Samburu livestock deaths have continued. Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit has said 43 families lost more than 700 animals during the security operation and has called for compensation, while other reported counts have varied as authorities and local leaders document the losses.
