Esther Passaris Faces Heavy Backlash After Suggesting Kenyans Give Up Sugar to Pay for SHA

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has ignited a firestorm of criticism after suggesting that Kenyans should give up sugar in their tea and use the savings to fund their Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions.

Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation, Passaris urged citizens to take personal ownership of government development programs, framing the reduction of sugar intake as both a financial strategy and a necessary health measure.

‘Give Up Sugar to Pay Your SHA’

Passaris argued that minor household lifestyle adjustments could ease the financial pressure of statutory healthcare deductions. Pointing to her own cup of unsweetened black coffee, she made her case:

“So as citizens, we’ve got to own our government projects. Yeah, we’ve got to, you know, I keep telling everyone give up sugar. You know, give up sugar. I have my black coffee here, no sugar. Give up sugar so that that 400–500 shillings that you’re spending on sugar can pay your SHA.”

The Nairobi lawmaker also warned that high consumption of refined sugar poses severe, long-term health risks, linking it directly to chronic conditions including diabetes, dementia, and cancer.

“Sugar is going to land you with diabetes. It’s also bad for cancer. It’s also very bad. Cancer feeds on sugar. Dementia… sugar… sugar has nothing good to offer…” she argued.

Widespread Condemnation Online

Passaris’ remarks were met with swift and widespread condemnation from Kenyans online, with many faulting her reasoning and pointing out that government excesses—not sugar consumption—were to blame for Kenya’s dysfunctional healthcare systems.

One Kenyan wrote:

“698,929 votes… that’s how many people she managed to fool with this reasoning. When you see them displaying ignorance it’s because they know winning in Kenya has absolutely nothing to do with brains.”

Another expressed disbelief:

“Imagine having to deal with such foolishness on a regular basis. Some people were put on this earth to make us appreciate the beauty and value of silence! Sugar isn’t a luxury in a home with kids—it’s a basic breakfast requirement!”

A dismayed citizen added:

“So politicians live in luxury funded by our taxes, but the solution for a Kenyan struggling with healthcare is to stop putting sugar in their tea? The level of disconnect is unfathomable.”

A Call for Accountability, Not Sacrifice

X user Kangethe James delivered a particularly pointed critique, arguing that citizens should not be asked to sacrifice basic necessities to cover government inefficiencies:

“Telling people to sacrifice basic food to cover government inefficiencies and mandatory deductions is insulting. Next, they will tell us to stop buying salt to pay for the housing levy, or skip one meal a day for tax compliance. We don’t need health advice from politicians; we need accountability for where our funds go.”

The Radio Host’s Support

The radio host interviewing Passaris supported her sentiment, adding that lifestyle changes should start early at home—such as feeding children plain milk in the morning rather than sugary tea—to eliminate dependence on added sugar from a young age.

A Deeper Divide

The controversy highlights a growing frustration among Kenyans over mandatory SHA deductions, which many view as yet another financial burden without corresponding improvements in healthcare services.

For critics, Passaris’ remarks represent a disconnect between the political class and ordinary citizens who are struggling with the cost of living. The suggestion that skipping sugar could solve healthcare funding problems was seen by many as tone-deaf and out of touch with the realities facing Kenyan families.