Nairobi — Esther Passaris Defends Controversial Public Order Bill Amid Rising Recall Campaign

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Muthoni Passaris is facing a growing recall campaign spearheaded by young activists, prompting her to publicly defend the Public Order (Amendment) Bill as a necessary framework for safeguarding lives and public order.

Recall Dynamics Accelerate

• On July 28, 2025, activist Shakira Wafula, joined by other Nairobi youth, filed a formal petition with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) targeting Passaris. The request was officially acknowledged the same day.

• Petitioners cite seven key violations: alleged abuse of office, neglect of duty, breaches of constitutional democracy, and failure to advocate for Nairobi women—especially in the context of recent protest movements.

• If IEBC validates the petition, campaigners must collect signatures from at least one-third of Nairobi’s eligible voters, geographically spread across the county. IEBC then has 30 days to verify signatures and 90 days to conduct a recall election, potentially triggering a by-election.

 Passaris on the Defensive

In response to mounting calls for her removal, Passaris issued a statement on July 29, pushing back against what she described as “destructive politics.” She challenged petitioners to propose solutions rather than dismantling her political work.

Passaris defended the centerpiece of the controversy—the Public Order (Amendment) Bill, which she sponsored following the June 25 Gen‑Z protests. Critics view the Bill as draconian and aimed at suppressing peaceful assemblies. However, Passaris insists that the legislation is designed to protect lives, prevent chaos, and preserve order without infringing on citizens’ rights.

She remarked:

“Leadership is not about tearing others down but building a better future. My Public Order Bill is grounded in values of protecting lives, upholding order, and ensuring that freedom does not descend into chaos.”

Passaris also expressed continued alignment with President William Ruto, dismissing suggestions of undue external influence in drafting the Bill.

Why It Matters

 Looking Ahead

• IEBC’s next steps: Verification of the petition is ongoing. If validated, signature collection begins in earnest.

• Public sentiment: Campaigners are confident they can mobilise over one million endorsements, citing dissatisfaction with representation and public policy direction.

• Political tension: Passaris’s stance places her at the centre of discord between demands for social order and calls for democratic openness.

Final Take

Esther Passaris now stands at a crossroads between defending her legislative vision and confronting demands for accountability—especially from a politically engaged youth cohort. The recall effort, grounded in allegations of misconduct and legislative overreach, tests both her political durability and the robustness of Kenya’s recall mechanism. As the process unfolds, Nairobi residents and national observers alike will watch how civic engagement, representation, and protest rights are balanced in practice.