Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has condemned the growing online attacks targeting women leaders.
In a statement shared on her X account on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Passaris called out those who insult women in leadership urging them to reflect on their actions.
“A man who insults women leaders must ask himself: ‘Do I not have a mother? A grandmother? A wife? A daughter?” Passaris wrote.
She further challenged those who support or remain silent during such attacks, questioning the values they live by.
“And to your 12k followers who cheer or sit silent, what values do you live by? The dignity of a Nation is measured by how it treats its women. Not by how loudly it mocks them,” she added.
Insults on Passaris
Her statement comes just a day after she addressed the issue of growing online abuse directed at her.
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Passaris had posted on X, highlighting the emotional toll the attacks have had on her, but making it clear she remains committed to her public service duties.
According to Passaris, some individuals have crossed the line by sharing her contacts online, a move she said was intended to harass her and disrupt her peace. Despite the invasions of her privacy, she said she would not allow the negativity to derail her mission.
“To those who insult me online, share my private contacts, and seek to rob me of peace — know this: you are the few, not the many,” Passaris stated.
She expressed confidence that the majority of Kenyans understand and practice respect, responsibility, and boundaries.
“I take heart in the truth that empty debes make the most noise. And noise has never built a nation — service has.”
The Woman Rep has had a fair share of online backlash directed at her.
In October 2024, Esther Passaris clarified her ethnic background after a social media user suggested she looked Indian. She revealed her Greek, Kikuyu, and Dutch heritage, noting that Greeks, like Indians, often have dark hair and pointed noses.
“If I need blood to survive, my tribal heritage means nothing. If I need any organs, my tribal heritage means nothing. I am a child of the universe,” she said, urging people to look beyond ethnic lines
In January 2024, Passaris was booed during a march against femicide, with protesters accusing her of silence on the issue. One user later wrote,
“I booed @EstherPassaris! Best thing I’ve done in a long time. We need to boo these politicians whenever we see them! We are tired of mediocrity!”
“You must have a boring life if the best thing you have done in a long time was booing me. You might have worn a t-shirt, carried a placard and drank water financed by @NGAAF_KE for today’s march. #getalife #loveconquerseverything,” Passaris responded.