Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris has called out former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, over gender-based violence (GBV) after remarks directed at the First Lady, Racheal Ruto.
In her message, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker condemned Gachuga’s interpretation of Racheal wearing shades as domestic abuse.
In addition, Passaris stated that women wear shades for multiple reasons and not necessarily because they have been abused, questioning whether it was not normal for Rigathi to see women with shades.
“I’m wearing shades, and my husband hasn’t given me a blow. Women wear shades because one, they’re for the sun, of course, but two, haven’t you seen women wearing shades in church? Haven’t you seen women wearing shades in conference rooms? One, because of the sun. Two, because we’re tired. Our eyes have bags, and we want to hide them. Three, because we’re tired and we might doze off a little bit here and there, so we need to have our shades. And three, because we look cool,” Esther stated.
Passaris also referred to Mathare Member of Parliament Anthony Oluoch, who often appears in public wearing shades.
According to Esther Passaris, the ignorance of Gachagua might be because he does not own a pair of sunglasses.
Making a sarcastic comment, she suggested that Rigathi should buy a pair of sunglasses, and then the public will know he has become a victim of abuse.
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On the other hand, away from the allegations, Passaris advised Rigathi to focus on the issues affecting the nation and tribalism.
Additionally, Passaris called out Gachagua for always criticizing the government he himself helped form, urging him to learn from the late Raila Odinga.
Rigathi Gachagua Abuse Allegation Addressed by Esther Passaris
During a public address, Gachagua stated that the unity of the nation starts with the unity of the family, raising questions about the First Family.
He stated that he does not deny that most families have problems, but they always find a peaceful solution to the problem, and added that his father did not teach him how to beat up his wife.
“This act of beating up the wives is a retrogressive culture; let’s build strong families for a strong nation. You are beating up your wife every day, even when called for night functions, she has to wear shades, those are signs of GBV,” Gachagua stated.
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During the 2025 New Year’s address in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Racheal Ruto attended the event, wearing sleek black sunglasses that she kept on throughout, sparking public debate.
Ruto and Gachagua have engaged in personal attacks during political rallies. The President has accused the former DP of disinheriting his late brother’s family through a forged will.
In the run-up to the 2022 elections, Ruto picked Gachagua as his running mate. Gachagua was later impeached. Since then, he has sustained scathing attacks on the Kenya Kwanza administration.
