Samburu County is facing a twin crisis of escalating insecurity and devastating wildfires, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian has called on the relevant authorities to act swiftly, warning that both issues are exacerbating the suffering of residents and disrupting the county’s livelihoods.
In a statement made at the Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, Senator Hezena highlighted the sharp rise in violent attacks, with gangs operating under the guise of bandits. She detailed several incidents, including a robbery at Lake Oil Petrol Station along the Kisima-Maralal road on 30th December, where a night guard was injured. More recently, on 9th March, a businessman was tragically killed in Wamba Town, in what appeared to be a targeted attack. As a result, businesses have been forced to close early, and residents are avoiding key routes for fear of further violence.
Senator Hezena urged the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Senator Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), to reassess the security situation in Samburu. She called for an increased police presence, better intelligence gathering, and stricter enforcement measures to curb the violence that has left many in fear.
In addition to the growing security concerns, Samburu is also grappling with destructive wildfires that have decimated vital pasturelands. The most recent fire, which broke out on 7th March in Elbarta Plains, destroyed over 30,000 acres of land, further deepening the hardships of pastoralist communities who rely on these grazing areas for their livestock.
Senator Hezena has appealed to the Senate Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources, led by Senator Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), to investigate the causes of the fires. She raised concerns about the role of human activity, such as land disputes or arson, in the fires’ spread. Furthermore, she is calling for the establishment of a dedicated disaster response unit with the resources and preparedness necessary to effectively manage such emergencies in the future.
The combination of security challenges and environmental disasters has left Samburu residents in a precarious situation. Senator Hezena’s calls for action reflect the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address both the immediate and long-term concerns of the county's citizens.
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