Kenya, July 29 -- The push to recall Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has gained significant momentum, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirming it is reviewing a formal petition submitted by four young Kenyans, Shakira Wafula, Mavin Mabonga, Dominic Omondi, and Sichei Soet, on July 28, 2025.
The petition, filed under Article 104 of the Kenyan Constitution, accuses Passaris of constitutional violations, neglect of duty, and aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration's controversial policies, fueling a growing "Passaris recall petition" movement.
This marks a rare attempt to invoke Kenya's recall mechanism, with the potential to make history as the first successful ouster of a sitting MP.
The petitioners, led by activist Shakira Wafula, argue that Passaris has failed to represent Nairobi's interests, particularly women's empowerment, youth development, and public health.
Central to their grievances is her support for the Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to restrict protests within 100 meters of key government institutions, a move critics say violates Article 37's right to peaceful assembly.
They also highlight her silence during the 2024 Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill, marked by police brutality and alleged sexual violence, accusing her of prioritizing political alliances over public interest.
"This is about reviving the public's constitutional power," Wafula stated, expressing confidence in collecting over one million signatures to meet the IEBC's threshold of 30% of Nairobi's 2.5 million registered voters, spread across at least half of its wards.
The IEBC, recently reconstituted with new commissioners sworn in on July 18, 2025, faces a tight timeline to verify the petition's legal grounds. If validated, the petitioners must gather 750,000 signatures within 90 days, a daunting task in Nairobi's sprawling metropolis.
Should the signatures pass verification, the IEBC will notify the National Assembly Speaker, triggering a recall election within 90 days, requiring 50% voter turnout and a majority in favor to unseat Passaris.
No Kenyan MP has been recalled since the 2010 Constitution, with past attempts failing due to logistical challenges and legal ambiguities.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon emphasized that only four recall petitions, including Passaris's, are under review, urging the public to temper expectations due to the process's complexity.
Passaris, a two-term ODM politician and former social entrepreneur behind the Adopt a Light initiative, has not publicly responded to the petition, though allies suggest she may dismiss it as politically motivated. Her tenure has been polarizing, with achievements like securing hospital bill waivers for detained patients contrasted by accusations of disconnect from grassroots concerns.
Critics point to her 2022 altercation at Bomas of Kenya, where she was filmed dragging an IEBC official over alleged electoral malpractice, as evidence of her combative style.
Supporters, however, argue she has championed women's rights and urban development, citing her 26% lead over UDA's Millicent Omanga in a 2022 Infotrak poll.
Social media has amplified the debate, with hashtags like "Passaris recall petition 2025" and "Nairobi leadership accountability" trending. One user posted, "Passaris's silence during the protests showed her true colors. Time for accountability!" Another countered, "This recall is a witch-hunt. Esther has done more for Nairobi than most MPs."
The petition's timing aligns with broader political unrest, including recall efforts against MPs like Rahim Dawood and Caleb Mule, fueled by the 2024 protests and the IEBC's reconstitution.
Analysts like Javas Bigambo note that the surge in petitions reflects growing public frustration, though procedural hurdles may stall most efforts.
The recall process faces scrutiny for its legal "murkiness," with the Elections Act requiring urgent amendments to clarify signature verification and voter turnout rules.
The High Court's 2024 ruling against a similar fee hike petition underscores the need for robust public consultation, which petitioners claim is met through social justice networks and online communities.
As Nairobi awaits the IEBC's decision, the Passaris recall petition highlights a shifting political landscape, where citizens are increasingly leveraging constitutional tools to demand accountability, potentially reshaping Kenya's democratic future.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.