April 19, 2026
Nairobi's Passaris Finally Speaks After IEBC Receives Recall Petition

Nairobi’s Passaris Finally Speaks After IEBC Receives Recall Petition

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has broken her silence after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) verified receipt of a petition to remove her from office.

Passaris asked those aiming to dislodge her from power in a statement made on Tuesday, July 29, to demonstrate what they could provide rather than demolish what she has established in her political capacity.

Furthermore, she stated that she would not be lured into confrontations or disputes that would distract her from meeting the needs of Nairobi residents.

Yesterday, a group of Nairobi residents, organized by activist Shakira Wafula, submitted a petition to recall Passaris, which the Commission acknowledged the same day.

Wafula and her team cited violations of the Constitution, misuse of office, negligence of duty, and breach of public trust as reasons for their petition.

Passaris, in response, referred to the Public Order (Amendment) Bill, which she had sponsored and was viewed as the spark for the petition.

The politician defended it as one that was in the country’s best interests by upholding law and order.

The Bill brought Passaris to the forefront of public attention, prompting a massive outcry from Kenyans who perceived it as an attempt to limit the rights and freedoms connected with picketing and peaceful assembly.

It followed the June 25 protests in memory of the Gen Zs who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

Following the response, Passaris postponed the Bill’s pre-publication, citing self-reflection prompted by a statement from religious groups.

During the Bill’s development, many accused Passaris of acting at the request of influential government officials, such as President William Ruto, in order to suppress protests and restrict dissent.

Passaris, on the other hand, disregarded the critics, reaffirming her support for Ruto and praising him for demonstrating transformational leadership.

Nonetheless, Passaris remains on a tightrope; if the IEBC determines that the petition has passed the legal level, local residents can begin collecting signatures to necessitate her recall.

Once at least one-third of registered voters in Nairobi have collected signatures, the IEBC will validate the list of names within 30 days.

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Within 15 days of verification, the IEBC shall issue a notice of recall to the Speaker of the National Assembly, where Passaris is domiciled.

The IEBC is required to hold a recall election within 90 days after issuing the notification to the Speaker (“Do you wish to recall your MP/MCA?”).

This is the penultimate stage before holding a byelection.

The recall election is decided by a simple majority of the voters who participate in the poll.

If the recall election results in her removal as a member of Parliament, the Commission shall proceed to conduct a by-election. Notably, Passaris can still vie in the by-election.

Nairobi’s Passaris Finally Speaks After IEBC Receives Recall Petition

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