Meet the Jubilee MP Re-elected while bedridden at Hospital

ruby orimba

August 21, 2017 12:45 PM

She was called a bad omen for being a widow but still won.

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Here is the story of a politician who, while admitted at Nairobi Hospital battling for her life, won the battle of numbers during the election and became a Member of Parliament as a re-elect for Baringo South MP.

Grace Kipchoim who vied on a Jubilee Party Ticket, was admitted in when she was informed of her win. She had garned 9299 votes against Charles Kamuren, Amos Olempaka, Cynthia Kiplchilat and Bundotich Cheboiyow and here's the twist: She did not hold any rally.

The Swahili proverb that says 'Chema cha jiuza' is a perfect analogy of Grace's story. According to her people it was her development and security advancement record that made the residents of Baring South elect her for a second tenement.

Speaking to Standard Grace said, "My political journey has not been easy, amid illness. This is God's making. He makes things work for our good. I am thankful to the electorate for making me proud once more."

Grace didn't even cast her own vote during Jubilee Party Nominations but still emerged the winner.

This unfortunately was not without a few mud slinging.

Grace who is a widow, was called a curse to the community for the virtue of being a widow. She said, "It hit me by surprise as my opponents used various forums to fight me, claiming I am a 'bad omen' to the community because I am a widow."

Even the cattle rustling and banditry in the region was blamed on her by a group of proffesionals from Mochongoi location who atuned to her poor health and marital status. According to her, they claimed the raids would continue if she was re-elected.

This, however, did not dispirit Grace. In her absence Grace says that the Baringo Consituency Development Fund (CDF) took charge running the constituency and initiating various development projects.

Through her team, Grace has made serious changes in Baringo South.

In 2016/17 evaluation reports conducted by National Government Constituencies Development Fund Board (NGCDF), Baringo South was ranked position 15 out of 290 constituencies in proper funds management.

Some of the projects they initiated include construction of classes and buses in more than 10 different schools.

Grace was also instrumental in curbing cattle rustling by Pokot raiders and invited several top security personnel, among them former Inspector General of Police, David Kimaiyo and his deputy Grace Kahindi, to help restore peace in the area.

Still Grace believes that there is more to be done about the security issue in Baringo. It even almost cost her the seat. She noted that a majority of voters who had been displaced from their homes thought she had not done enough to restore sanity in an area.

Grace is slowly but surely recovering from a yet to be revealed illness. Still, her heart is with her people whom she would like to see prosper.

"My joy is to see my people get back to their homes and be able to take their children to school without fear," she said.