Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has spoken out against the growing wave of online abuse directed at her, urging Kenyans to choose respect over ridicule.
In a message shared via her X account on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Passaris said that while a section of people have chosen to spread hate and invade her privacy, she remains focused on serving the public and staying true to her responsibilities.
According to Passaris, some individuals have gone as far as sharing her contacts online in a bid to harass and disrupt her peace.
She also hinted at the emotional toll of online abuse but made it clear she would not be distracted from her duties.
“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. The majority of Kenyans we serve understand 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,” Passaris stated.
Endless attacks
This is not the first time the Woman Rep has faced backlash online. In October 2024, she found herself having to clarify her ethnic background after a social media user questioned if she was of Indian descent. The user had commented on her appearance, suggesting she resembled someone of Indian origin.
Passaris took the opportunity to address the comment, revealing her diverse heritage, Greek, Kikuyu, and Dutch and highlighting the similarities between Greek and Indian features.
She explained that Greeks, like Indians, often have dark hair and pointed noses.
But more importantly, she urged people to look beyond tribal and ethnic lines. She expressed her belief in a common human identity and questioned the importance of heritage in critical situations like needing a blood transfusion or an organ transplant.
“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 wrote at the time.
In January 2024, she was booed by a group of protesters during a march against femicide. The crowd accused her of remaining silent on the issue, demanding she leave the scene. “Where were you? Go home!” they chanted as her security team had to escort her away.
Afterwards, a social media user proudly claimed that booing Passaris was the best thing they had done in a long time, calling her a mediocre politician.
“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!” the X user stated.
The Woman Rep swiftly responded, suggesting that the person must have a dull life if booing a leader brought them joy.
She pointed out that the t-shirts, placards, and even water the protesters used during the march were likely funded by her office through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
“You must have a really boring life if the best thing you have done in a long time was booing me. By the way. You might have worn a t-shirt, carried a placard and drank water financed by @NGAAF_KE for today’s march. #getalife #loveconquerseverything,” she stated.