Passaris' Advice To Gen Z After Viral Photo Of Her Wearing Police Uniform
Critics went ahead to even call her a 'police spokesperson' before the AI photo circulated social media platforms.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
A photo generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) showing Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris dressed in a combat-themed police uniform has drawn her attention.
The photo surfaced on Thursday, June 19, a day after she drew criticism over her defence of the National Police Service (NPS) amidst a viral video of police officers leaving a looted shop with laptops during the June 17 chaotic protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
Critics went ahead to even call her a 'police spokesperson' before the AI photo circulated social media platforms. However, rather than slam the makers of the photo, she took it in stride.
An AI-generated picture of Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris. /X
"Kenyans have dressed me in uniform, and with humility, I wear this as a symbol of dignity, duty, and determination to see our country heal. I wear it with pride and purpose, not power. Not to command fear, but to fight for dignity," she responded on her X account.
Despite her defence of the police, she stressed the urgent need for police reforms, admitting that the service had major issues, some of which are affecting the welfare of the members of Kenya's law enforcement.
"But let’s not forget: The Kenya Police are not aliens. They are our fathers. Our mothers. Our sons. Our sisters. Our neighbours. True, there exist within the force some rogue officers, and they must and will be held accountable," she added.
"With the same breath, I celebrate the many who serve with honour, protect with courage, and uphold peace in the face of danger. Let’s fix the system without condemning those who still serve us with integrity."
She went on to appeal to Kenya's youth to be part of the change they are pushing for in the NPS by enlisting with the service.
"When the next police recruitment opens up, don’t just criticise; take up the challenge; join the Kenya Police Service and be part of the change you want to see from within. The Kenya Police Service needs you," she said.
The video, as aforementioned, which triggered widespread backlash on social media with many Kenyans accusing the police of looting, captured uniformed officers placing laptops into a police vehicle during chaos linked to protests held in memory of the late teacher Albert Ojwang.
But in a strong response to the accusations, Passaris dismissed the claims, saying the footage was being misrepresented and that the officers were retrieving stolen items, not stealing them.
There’s growing criticism over how law enforcement handled the protests, which took a violent turn after criminal elements infiltrated the peaceful demonstrations and began looting businesses and attacking civilians.
Wielding clubs and knives, these rogue goons in groups were said to have assaulted bystanders, stolen handbags and phones, and raided shops. Despite the disorder, videos showed police seemingly holding back when dealing with the thugs, sparking speculation about whether there was collusion.
