Peris Tobiko

Peris Tobiko (born 1969) is a Kenyan politician. She was the first elected female Maasai member of parliament in 2013 in a National historic win even after elders had sworn to "curse" her and her supporters for defying the patriarchal norms of the Maasai community by daring to seek a seat in elected office - something they believed to be reserved only for men. She was re-elected for a second term as MP for Kajiado East Constituency in August 2017 .

Quotes

• The earlier you people know that we are all equal in UDA, the better. UDA is not Metito, neither is it me - UDA is William Samoei Ruto.
• Some people wanted us there, but we are here. Some never wanted us to be appointed, but we got the appointment .
  • https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2023-10-19-fight-for-kajiados-political-kingpin-intensifies-ahead-of-2027-elections/, (Star, October 19, 2023)
• I thank God because this election has proved and shown the importance of true democracy,” said the jubilant Ms Tobiko.
  • [1]
• I promise to work with all my constituents for the development of Kajiado East. I hold no grudge against anyone and I promise to work with all without fear or favour.
  • [2]
• The move by the Maasai elders was a big blow to her and her campaign team.
  • [3]
• It left me empty and put some fear in my heart. At one point, I thought it was the end of the game and I had lost.
  • [4]
• For me, it became the drive … Women don’t have a say and I thought I could become a voice and encourage others to come out and speak.
  • [5]
• It was not easy but I think it helped to shape a lot of my thinking, trying to make a difference in the life of children in that community,” she said, laughing that she almost became the fourth wife of a polygamous old man who is now her constituent.
  • [6]
• I felt she needed either a boy or somebody who will act in that capacity, who dresses traditionally in Maasai embroidered regalia with closely-shaven hair at her rallies.
  • [https://theirworld.org/news/kenya-mp-maasai-mother-peris-tobiko-education-girls-champion/[
• I knew I had to go to school, I had to work hard, to make a difference in her life.
  • [7]
• It definitely needs a lady who has prepared herself to grow a thick skin, I describe how my friend, Flora Terah, was abducted and tortured in 2007 when she stood for parliament. But it has not deterred her.
  • [8]
• If I shy away, then how else do we encourage other women? It’s a cause I believe in and somebody must do it.
  • [9]