Meru Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia is now calling for the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to the county’s northern grazing zones, as bandit attacks continue to escalate, leaving a trail of deaths, livestock losses and displaced families.
Speaking while defending her development record and reaffirming her support for President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Kailemia said the government must shift from rhetoric to decisive action, including adopting military-style operations to flush out armed raiders hiding in forested areas.
“We need action because we are tired of deaths and livestock being stolen. Let them bomb all the hideouts. The same way bandits were fought in West Pokot, Baringo and Kerio Valley should be the same approach used in Meru,” she said.
The legislator questioned the slow pace of livestock recovery, terming it unacceptable that large numbers of stolen animals often vanish without a trace.
“I am amused how cattle rustlers appear more intelligent than police officers. How comes more than 200 cows are stolen and never recovered?” she posed.
She insisted that affected families must be compensated, injured victims supported with medical care and stolen livestock recovered, noting that the brunt of the violence is being borne by women and children left behind after breadwinners are killed.
Kailemia warned that the humanitarian toll of the insecurity remains severe across affected villages, with many households struggling to cope with the aftermath of repeated raids.
At the same time, she defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s economic agenda, saying efforts are underway to boost farmers’ incomes and strengthen agricultural value chains.
She revealed that she had engaged President Ruto on the need to support dairy farmers with milk cooling equipment to curb post-harvest losses.
“The government is doing everything possible to put money into farmers’ pockets. Give us time and be patient,” she said.
On healthcare, the MP raised concern over rising cancer cases in Meru, calling for the upgrading of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to offer specialised treatment services.
“Cancer has become a menace in Meru. Many families cannot afford treatment and this is why I support upgrading Meru Level Five so that it can offer specialized treatment,” she said.
She also reflected on her leadership style, linking it to the legacy of her late father, whom she credited with championing equal opportunities in education regardless of background.
Kailemia expressed confidence in retaining her seat in the next election, citing projects she said have directly impacted residents, including scholarships, water projects, tanks, grants to table-banking groups and school infrastructure.
She urged residents to support her development agenda and called for greater backing of women in leadership.
“Let us support fellow women in leadership. I am ready to mentor anyone who wants to vie for any political seat,” she said.
