CITIZENS LAUNCH PETITION TO RECALL NAIROBI WOMAN REPRESENTATIVE ESTHER PASSARIS

A section of Nairobi residents has launched a petition seeking to recall Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, citing what they term as a betrayal of public trust and failure to represent the interests of her constituents.
The petition, filed by civic activist Abdi Yussuf and supported by a growing group of disgruntled voters, was officially submitted to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The recall effort is anchored on Article 104 of the Constitution and relevant sections of the Elections Act and the Leadership and Integrity Act.
Passaris is accused of backing controversial legislative proposals perceived to undermine constitutional freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly. Critics say she failed to speak out against police brutality during the Gen Z-led protests in 2024 and supported an anti-protest bill that has sparked widespread public anger.
"She has consistently failed to represent the voices of Nairobians, particularly during critical moments when her intervention was needed," said Yussuf, the lead petitioner. "We believe she has lost the moral authority to occupy the office."
To succeed, the petition must garner signatures from at least one-third of registered voters in Nairobi County, with equitable representation from all wards. The IEBC has confirmed receiving the notice and will supervise the verification process if the signature threshold is met.
Small-scale traders and youth groups have also joined the push, accusing Passaris of aligning with state efforts to clamp down on dissent. The lawmaker is yet to issue a public response to the petition.
This marks one of the most significant recall efforts against a Nairobi-based legislator since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.