Despite being in the political shadows recently, Peris Simam is a figure one cannot fail to mention whenever analyzing the women in politics in Uasin Gishu County.
The outspoken former Eldoret South lawmaker is remembered by many of her constituents in the manner she used to skillfully and fearlessly speak on political podiums.
A section of residents is now wondering why she has gone silent especially after she was bailed out of jail together with her husband after they were found guilty of corruption-related charges earlier last year.
Some locals of Tarakwa area in Eldoret South which is her home turf are really missing her development programs in the region if their sentiments are anything to go by.
“She used to give our area first priority in terms of allocating Constituency Development Funds (CDF) and development programs, she aided in allocating bursaries to needy students, renovating education institutions among many, in fact, some of her critics could say she was favouring Tarakwa because she hails from here,” said Alphonse Kiprop, an ardent supporter of Simam.
Political pundits opine that Simam, popularly known as 'Mama Pepea' still has the ability to make a huge impact should she announce a political comeback.
She unsuccessfully vied for the Uasin Gishu Woman Representative seat in the 2017 general elections where she lost during the Jubilee Party primaries.
“Her supporters miss her style of leadership. Her ability to reach out to her people on the ground, listen to them and put herself on their shoes are leadership values we as her supporters are dearly missing,” said Daniel Too, a resident of Kesses Sub County.
All in all, despite a lot being said about the former lawmaker, she is yet to step out of political caves. But what is openly evident is the fact that the majority of her die-hard followers in Uasin Gishu county are asking themselves where she is.
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