Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has defended herself after being heckled and facing a backlash during the anti-femicide march on Saturday 27 January at the Jevanjee Gardens.
In a statement on X the MP attributed the backlash to being a convenient “punching bag” for frustrations and political maneuvering rather than a lack of commitment.
“I was booed because I was the available punching bag to let out frustrations and to settle political scores. Not because “you did little too late,” she noted while responding to an X user who revealed she was among those who booed the MP.
She emphasized that her involvement in the planning of the anti-Femicide March had been consistent from its inception, working closely with various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to ensure its success.
Nairobi Women Representative Defends Herself
“I have been on a planning wall with CSOs for the Femicide March from inception. The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and my entire team stood up to be counted as mandated. We finished the march strong. Now back to work knowing we are all part of the solution and the problem,” she stated.
The femicide demonstration on Saturday aimed to draw attention to the rising cases of gender-based violence and demand decisive action from the government.
However, Passaris found herself caught in the crossfire of broader political dynamics, with critics seizing the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction while chanting ‘go back home’ and ‘Where were you?’
Also Read: Passaris Pleads with Ruto as Femicide Protestors Corner Her
In her Sunday, January 28 remarks, Passaris was responding to an X user who felt that she had done too little too late on the issue of escalating femicide cases in Kenya.
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“I think the issue is people felt you did too little too late, considering. Perhaps this is an opportunity to put in place some frameworks to fight the misogyny that plays huge factor in femicide,” noted X user Lady Njeri Thorne.
Similarly, netizens reacting to Esther Passaris’ statement displayed a diverse range of opinions with most of them expressing skepticism regarding her claims.
Kenyans React to Passaris’ Post
In a rather advisory tone, Ivar the Don posed a question to Passaris saying, “In your resolute haste to defend yourself you don’t seem to be listening to what the women are trying to tell you. Do you think chalking it up to “political scores” is making it better or worse?”
Also Read: Kenyan Football Fan Filmed Promoting Femicide Banned for Life
“Just take the big L Esther Passaris and do better. These women were communicating a clear message to you but in your head, you are a political VIP until common women are sent to settle political scores with you. We understand you are embarrassed but can’t settle it on X?” Mutinda Junior posed.
Also, other users claimed the women representative for Nairobi was heckled because she was riding on the success of CSOs who organized the Femicide march.
Opiyo Ogaya an X user said, ” The MP was booed because of her seeking to take advantage of protests organized by CSOs, yet she has been quiet since femicide started.”
A Kenyan on X highlighted that what women needed is solidarity and a firm affirmation of progressive realization towards dignified lives for women and girls in all their diversity.
“It’s in the language. It’s in the actions. There is so much more to it than an appearance to the March” Lurit Yugusuk said.
Netizens have criticized the MP on why she dragged politics into the mind-boggling issue stating that she met a more aware crowd, those she could not pacify with cheap goodies.
They added that she used to be extremely vocal on matters women but lately she has changed.
