Hon. Esther Passaris is once again in the spotlight, this time not for her public initiatives, but for a petition filed with the IEBC seeking her recall. If successful, this would mark the first time a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) is removed through a citizen-led recall process. The petitioners accuse her of constitutional violations, dereliction of duty, and failing to represent the people she was elected to serve, particularly the women of Nairobi. At the heart of the complaint is her perceived alignment with the Ruto administration, which critics argue has increasingly stifled dissent while she remained silent.

Passaris currently serves as the Nairobi County Woman Representative in Kenya’s bicameral Parliament. She is a seasoned public figure, part politician, part businesswoman, who has steadily built her profile through party activism and public service. She is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), one of Kenya’s major political parties.

Her political career began in 2013 when she contested the Women’s Representative seat under the Kenya National Congress (KNC). Although she lost the race to Rachel Shebesh, she remained engaged and later shifted her allegiance to ODM, where she eventually found success. She clinched the seat and was re-elected in 2022, dedicating her victory to her late father.

Outside politics, Passaris is known for her work in business and advocacy. She has long positioned herself as a champion for women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive policymaking. Her public presence has often blurred the lines between civic leadership and social activism, sometimes to widespread praise, and other times to criticism.

She rose to early prominence as a runner-up in the Miss Kenya pageant, using that visibility to push conversations around social justice and urban equity. Her landmark initiative, Adopt a Light, revitalised Nairobi’s street lighting through a partnership with city authorities that allowed for limited advertising on lamp posts in exchange for infrastructure upgrades. It was an innovative model that bridged private capital and public benefit.

Her advocacy didn’t stop there. Through the One in a Million campaign, operating under Driving Kenya Forward, she spearheaded programs aimed at tackling poverty, youth unemployment, and regional inequality. She also frequently engages in mentorship, especially among young people, and participates in platforms like Fatuma’s Voice to discuss gender, governance, and civic responsibility.

But even as she has carved out a strong public image, controversy has often followed. Her candid remarks and political posturing have earned her both admirers and critics. Now, as the recall effort gains momentum, Passaris finds herself in a position where her record, alliances, and relevance are under renewed scrutiny.