Esther Passaris Defends Leadership After IEBC Receives Recall Petition
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Muthoni Passaris has spoken out following confirmation from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that it has officially received a petition seeking her recall from office.
In a firm statement released on Tuesday, July 29, Passaris urged her critics and political opponents to focus on providing viable alternatives for Nairobians instead of tearing down the work she has done in her capacity as Woman Rep.
“Leadership is not about tearing others down but about building a better future,” Passaris stated, emphasizing her commitment to development and legislative integrity.
Petition Cites Abuse of Office, Neglect of Duty
The petition was submitted to the IEBC by a section of Nairobi residents, spearheaded by civil rights activist Shakira Wafula. It cites serious allegations including violations of the Constitution, abuse of office, neglect of duty, and a breach of public trust.
“We, the undersigned citizens and registered voters of Nairobi County, submit this petition per Article 104 of the Constitution and Section 45 of the Elections Act, seeking the immediate recall of Hon. Esther Muthoni Passaris,” the petition reads in part.
According to Wafula’s group, Passaris has failed to uphold her constitutional role as a representative and overseer of public interests, claiming she has instead supported legislation that infringes on fundamental rights.
Public Order Bill Sparks National Backlash
At the heart of the petition lies the controversial Public Order (Amendment) Bill, which was sponsored by Passaris. The Bill seeks to amend public assembly laws, and critics have accused it of being a disguised attempt to suppress public dissent and the right to protest.
The Bill gained widespread attention and criticism particularly in the aftermath of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z-led protests, which saw multiple fatalities during demonstrations against the Finance Bill. Many interpreted Passaris’ proposed law as an attempt to silence similar future movements.
Passaris, however, defended her legislative intentions:
“My Public Order Bill is grounded in values of protecting lives, upholding order, and ensuring that freedom does not descend into chaos,” she said.
Accusations of Government Alignment
Passaris has also faced accusations of advancing government interests, especially those of President William Ruto, under the guise of legislative reform. Detractors argue that she is being used to introduce laws aimed at curtailing civil liberties.
Despite this, the Nairobi Woman Rep has stood by her association with the president, whom she describes as a transformational leader:
“I support President Ruto’s leadership because of his commitment to delivering on development promises,” she said during an earlier media briefing.
Religious Leaders Influence Bill’s Delay
Facing sustained backlash, Passaris recently announced a pause in the pre-publication of the Public Order Bill. She cited a need for self-reflection, influenced by feedback from religious leaders across the country.
“Sometimes, leadership means listening, stepping back, and reflecting. I have postponed the Bill to allow for further engagement,” she said.
IEBC Process for Recall Petition
Following the receipt of the petition, the IEBC now enters a legally defined process to determine whether the recall can proceed. According to Article 104 of the Constitution and Section 45 of the Elections Act, the following steps are expected:
- Signature Collection: If the petition is deemed to meet the threshold, the petitioners will be allowed to begin collecting signatures from at least one-third of registered voters in Nairobi County.
- Verification Period: The IEBC will have 30 days to verify the authenticity of the signatures.
- Notification to National Assembly: Within 15 days of verification, the IEBC must notify the Speaker of the National Assembly.
- Recall Election: The Commission will then organize a recall election within 90 days of the notification, asking voters if they wish to recall their MP.
- By-election Possibility: If the recall vote passes by a simple majority, IEBC will proceed to conduct a by-election to fill the position. Interestingly, Passaris will be eligible to contest again.
Public Sentiment Remains Divided
Passaris’ response has received mixed reactions from the public. Some Nairobians praised her for addressing the issue calmly and focusing on development, while others insist that her Bill is a betrayal of the youth who propelled her into office.
Activist Shakira Wafula, in a follow-up interview, maintained that the push for Passaris’ recall is not personal but is grounded in the need for accountability and protecting constitutional freedoms.
“We are not doing this for clout or politics. We are safeguarding our democratic rights. Leaders must know that their actions have consequences,” Wafula emphasized.
Passaris’ Track Record and the Road Ahead
Since being elected as Nairobi Woman Representative, Passaris has been involved in various empowerment initiatives focused on youth, women, and marginalized communities. However, critics argue that her legislative contributions have lacked the sensitivity required during turbulent political times.
With the IEBC now expected to begin the formal verification process, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Passaris faces a recall election.
As pressure mounts, one thing remains clear: the battle for Nairobi’s political soul is intensifying, with Passaris now navigating the toughest test of her political career to date.