Have you seen her? Nakuru family searches for missing teen daughter

It’s been over a week since Patience Pendo Simiyu was last seen by her family.

On the evening of April 22, during a church conference in Freehold estate, that she had attended with her mother, Diana Khamusa, Patience asked for permission to go to the lavatories. She never returned.

“All I have left is a video I took that evening with her by my side,” Diana tells Mtaa Wangu, her voice tinged with worry.

She recounts the events leading to her disappearance.

According to Diana, Patience was watching a film which her mother refers to as 'gangster' documentaries.

"Upon enquiring on her sudden interest in such movies, Patience threw a tantrum saying she was done pretending and was tired of this life. She did not tell me what that meant because she went to her bedroom crying," Diana recalls.

“Later in the evening, we got ready for church as usual as she had now calmed down. During the service, she excused herself to use the washroom. Less than 10 minutes later, the service ended, and she still hadn't returned."

While waiting, Diana mingled and mentioned she was looking for her daughter. One of her (Diana’s) friends then recalled, “Peshy? I saw her standing outside earlier.” But when they went to look for her, she was nowhere to be found.

This is not the first time Patience has disappeared. Earlier this year, she ran away but was later found safe.

On another occasion, she left school and went to her grandmother’s house. In all these instances, she eventually returned.

Her family now fears she may be facing serious mental health challenges. “She’s said before that the pressure is too much,” Diana explains. “We believe she’s battling something within, and we’re deeply concerned for her safety.”

The 17-year-old girl, who is currently a Form Four student, was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a black and red hoodie, a denim jacket, a grey Marvin, and sports shoes.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Diana describes her daughter as a quiet, thoughtful, and experimental young girl who mostly keeps to herself.

Diana says she reported the disappearance to Nakuru Central Police Station but says she has yet to receive any feedback.

Since that day, she has tirelessly reached out to friends, family, and even the last school Patience attended, hoping for any clue to her whereabouts.

Every day, Diana prays that her daughter finds her way home safe and unharmed.

The family is appealing to the public for help. If you see Patience or have any information about her whereabouts, please contact them through the following numbers: 0710861620 (mother) 0724510790(father), and 0714016779 (uncle).