Samburu herders whose animals were shot dead by security officers in Laikipia County have a reason to smile, after President Kenyatta ordered for their compensation.
The government, through Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri admitted the government made a mistake after police shot dead thousands of animals and injured some of the herders.
President Kenyatta was addressing a crowd at Baragoi and Suguta Marmar on Saturday evening, when he visited the area to pupularise the Jubilee Party.
The animals were shot dead by police and the military during an operation to flash out illegal grazers in private ranches in Laikipia West in March this year.
A committee has already been formed to ensure all those affected are compensated before August 8 elections.
The committee comprises of Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine, Samburu West MP Lati Lelelit, Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine, Samburu West MP Lati Lelelit, nominated Senator Naisula Lesuuda and nominated Senator Naisula Lesuuda,
Others in the committee include elders from both counties and officers from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).
“The committee will carry out a forensic audit of what really happened and is expected to table its findings within a period of 10 days,” said Dr Lesiyampe adding that their initial findings suggest property was maliciously destroyed.