Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has hit out at political rivals plotting to unseat her, insisting that leadership is about building not tearing down.
In a strongly-worded statement posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, July 29, Passaris urged aspirants eyeing her position to focus on offering meaningful contributions rather than dismantling her track record.
“Those who want my seat must show what they can offer, not attempt to destroy what I’ve built,” she said. “True leaders rise by lifting others, not by pulling them down.”
Quoting Nelson Mandela, she added, “One of the mistakes some political analysts make is to think that their enemies should be our enemies.”
She vowed not to inherit personal grudges or engage in political wars that do not benefit Nairobi residents, instead pledging continued support for President William Ruto. “I stand firmly with William Ruto because leadership is about progress, not personal grudges,” she wrote.
Passaris also defended her Public Order Bill, saying it’s anchored on protecting lives, promoting order, and preventing freedom from degenerating into chaos.
“I am chosen, not forsaken,” she added. “Leadership is not about tearing others down but about building a better future.”
The seasoned politician, known for her bold style and fiery rhetoric, further called on women to support one another in politics, quoting former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright: “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”
Passaris’s remarks come amid increasing speculation that several political figures are positioning themselves to challenge her in the 2027 general election. She has served as Nairobi Woman Representative since 2017.
