Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans to meet elders and members of the Maa community when he returns to Kenya next month.
Speaking from Dallas, US, Gachagua said he will engage them on their priorities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua said he had received calls from members of the Maa community in Samburu, Narok and Kajiado who were seeking his intervention over what they described as injustices and inadequate representation by their leaders.
“I will meet the Maa community when I come back next month to align on priorities ahead of 2027,” Gachagua said.
He said he would hold discussions with elders from Samburu, Narok, Kajiado, Baringo South, Laikipia North and Laisamis constituencies to discuss the community’s future and protection of its pastoralist livelihoods.
“I will return next month and sit down with Samburu elders, also those from Narok, Kajiado, Baringo South, Laikipia North, Laisamis, and we look at how we will plan the future for the community and their source of livelihood,” he said.
Gachagua also condemned the reported killing of livestock during a security operation in Samburu East, questioning the circumstances under which the animals were shot.
“I want to condemn strongly the recent killing of livestock. Locals are wondering why that happened. It is disrespectful to the community,” he said.
He questioned why police officers were not deployed to protect the animals and demanded that community leaders push for accountability.
“Why were police officers not sent to help? Why did they shoot the animals?” he asked.
The security operation followed violent incidents involving suspected bandits along the Samburu-Isiolo border.
An Anti-Stock Theft Unit team pursuing stolen livestock was attacked in Gotu, Isiolo county, where two ASTU officers, a National Police Reservist and two civilians were killed, according to reports.
The subsequent operation in Samburu East has triggered protests and demands for an investigation after residents reported that hundreds of livestock were killed.
Samburu Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi said 415 goats and 102 cattle were allegedly killed during the operation, while other community-led documentation has put reported losses at 717 animals. The figures remain subject to verification.
Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit has called for compensation for 43 affected families and said county leaders support efforts to restore security but want investigations into the circumstances surrounding the livestock deaths.
Gachagua said the Maa community had faced historical injustices and pledged to support efforts to protect its rights.
“The Maa community has faced historical injustices but I will stand with you and fight for your rights,” he said.
