Kenya, July 21 -- In a significant development shaking Nairobi's political landscape, a group of residents launched a signature collection campaign on July 20, 2025, to recall Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris, citing dissatisfaction with her legislative actions, particularly her controversial Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Esther Passaris recall effort, announced via social media platforms, has gained momentum following the tragic death of 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki during the Saba Saba protests, with organisers alleging Passaris failed to adequately represent Nairobi's women and youth, prompting widespread debate online.
The Esther Passaris recall effort has ignited a firestorm of political activity in Nairobi, as frustrated residents rally to gather signatures to oust the Nairobi County Woman Representative from her parliamentary seat.
Initiated on July 20, 2025, the campaign targets Passaris's tenure, with organisers pointing to her sponsorship of the Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025, which sought to restrict protests near key government institutions like Parliament and State House, as a key grievance.
The bill, introduced on October 18, 2024, and paused after public outcry, was criticised for undermining constitutional rights under Article 37, fueling accusations that Passaris prioritises government interests over her constituents.
The recall movement gained traction after the tragic shooting of 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki during the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025, in Ndumberi, Kiambu County.
Passaris's subsequent call for police reforms, including body cameras and a ban on live bullets, was overshadowed by her earlier protest bill, which many deemed insensitive amid the protests' fallout.
People like one from @Mabonga_254 urged Nairobi voters to collect "millions" of signatures, reflecting public anger over Passaris's perceived misalignment with Gen Z-led demands for accountability.
Another local, @MugureNjehia, criticised her for focusing on family planning advice instead of addressing protest-related deaths, amplifying the Nairobi recall campaign 2025.
Under Kenya's Constitution, Article 104, voters can initiate a recall of an MP after one year in office but before the final two years of their term, requiring signatures from at least 30% of registered voters in the constituency, in Nairobi's case, approximately 700,000 signatures, based on 2.3 million registered voters.
The petition, addressed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), must cite grounds like gross misconduct or failure to represent constituents.
Organisers, including @MoGAbdi on X, formally notified the IEBC on July 20, 2025, citing Passaris's "failure to protect Nairobi's women and youth" as a primary reason, though the IEBC has yet to verify the petition's validity.
Passaris, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) since 2022, has been a polarising figure. Elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022, she has championed initiatives like the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), supporting bursaries and hunger alleviation, and founded Adopt-A-Light, a public-private partnership to restore Nairobi's street lighting, per World Justice Project.
However, her political career has faced scrutiny, including a 2019 public spat with former Governor Mike Sonko, who alleged she demanded money, and a 2003 lawsuit against her ex-husband, Pius Ngugi, for breaching a marriage promise.
Her recent claim of foreign funding behind the Saba Saba protests further alienated some constituents, with constituents calling for her recall to focus on her "modelling career."
The Nairobi Woman Rep recall movement reflects broader discontent with Kenya's political class amid ongoing anti-government protests, which have claimed over 60 lives since June 2024.
Passaris's decision to shelve the protest bill on July 8, 2025, after backlash from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and civil society, was seen as a retreat, but critics argue it came too late to restore trust.
Her call for dialogue and peaceful protests has been dismissed by some as insufficient, with @C_NyaKundiH rallying support for the recall, urging organisers to "popularise the movement" under hashtags like #ByeByePassaris.
Passaris's supporters, however, highlight her contributions, such as paying KSh 345,000 for patients' bills at Mbagathi Hospital and celebrating young athletes like Phanuel Koech.
The recall process faces hurdles, as historical attempts, like those against other MPs, often fail due to logistical challenges and IEBC verification delays.
Yet, the campaign's momentum, driven by social media and grassroots efforts, signals a critical test for Passaris's tenure. For those seeking Esther Passaris' latest news, the recall effort underscores Nairobi's volatile political climate.
The campaign's success hinges on mobilising enough signatures and navigating IEBC scrutiny, with organisers planning public rallies to sustain pressure.
As Kenya grapples with economic woes and protest fallout, Passaris's ability to address constituent concerns while defending her record will be crucial.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.