Prove That You Want My Seat: Esther Passaris On Recall Petition
She also made it clear that she would not engage in confrontations that could derail her commitment to serving the people of Nairobi.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has responded after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed receiving a petition seeking her recall from office.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 29, Passaris urged her critics to focus on presenting their solutions rather than tearing down her political legacy.
She also made it clear that she would not engage in confrontations that could derail her commitment to serving the people of Nairobi.
The recall petition, submitted by a group of Nairobi residents led by activist Shakira Wafula, was officially acknowledged by the IEBC on Monday.
Esther Passaris speaking in Huruma, Mathare Constituency on April 18, 2024. /ESTHER PASSARIS
In the petition, Wafula and her team cited constitutional violations, abuse of office, dereliction of duty, and a breach of public trust as the main reasons for seeking Passaris' recall.
“We, the undersigned citizens and registered voters of Nairobi County, submit this petition per Article 104 of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 45 of the Elections Act, seeking the immediate recall of Hon. Esther Muthoni Passaris, Woman Representative for Nairobi County,” the petition read in part.
“Hon. Passaris has demonstrated conduct unbecoming of a State Officer, undermined constitutional principles, disrespected the electorate, and failed to perform her representative and oversight functions with integrity, impartiality, and accountability."
A defiant Passaris however made reference to the Public Order (Amendment) Bill—which she had sponsored and which was widely viewed as the trigger for the petition—insisting that it was crafted with the country’s best interests in mind to help uphold law and order.
"Leadership is not about tearing others down but about building a better future. My Public Order Bill is grounded in values of protecting lives, upholding order, and ensuring that freedom does not descend into chaos," she remarked.
The Bill thrust Passaris into the national spotlight, drawing heavy criticism from Kenyans who viewed it as an attempt to undermine the constitutional rights to protest and peaceful assembly.
It was introduced shortly after the June 25 demonstrations, which commemorated Gen Z protesters who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. Following public outrage, Passaris delayed the Bill’s pre-publication, saying she was prompted to reconsider after reflecting on a statement issued by religious leaders.
At the time, critics accused her of pushing the Bill on behalf of powerful figures in government—particularly President William Ruto—with the aim of suppressing dissent and limiting public expression.
Passaris, however, rejected those claims, reaffirmed her backing of President Ruto, and praised his leadership as transformative.
"I will not inherit the burden of enmity or be forced into battles that will not deliver for my people what they need most. I stand firmly with William Ruto because leadership is about progress, not personal grudges," she continued.
"Those who want my seat must show what they can offer, not attempt to destroy what I’ve built. True leaders rise by lifting others, not by pulling them down."
Still, Passaris finds herself in a precarious position. Should the IEBC determine that the petition meets the required threshold, Nairobi residents will be allowed to begin collecting signatures to trigger her recall.
If at least one-third of registered voters in Nairobi sign the petition, the IEBC will have 30 days to verify the signatures. Once verified, the Commission must, within 15 days, notify the Speaker of the National Assembly, where Passaris currently serves.
A recall election must then be held within 90 days of that notification. Voters will be asked whether they wish to recall their MP or MCA, with the outcome determined by a simple majority of those who cast ballots.
If the majority votes in favour of the recall, the IEBC will organise a by-election. It is worth noting that Passaris would still be eligible to contest in that by-election.
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