By Joe Aura,
Demonstrations against femicide in major Kenyan cities have drawn hundreds, highlighting the urgency of addressing violence against women. Women’s Representative, Esther Passaris, faces criticism following the march, defending herself on social media amid accusations of insufficient action.
Esther Passaris, a key figure in Kenyan politics, found herself at the center of controversy after being booed during the End Femicide march. Passaris took to Twitter to address the criticism, stating that she became a “punching bag” for political frustrations, emphasizing her active involvement in planning the march from its inception.
However, the public reaction on social media was swift and critical. One individual “Lady Njeri Thorne Lovely” expressed concerns about Passaris’ perceived delayed response, suggesting the need for frameworks to combat the misogyny contributing to femicide. Other users accused Passaris of neglecting her role as Women’s Representative, urging her to use her influence effectively.
Moreover, others questioned Passaris’s priorities, asserting that her energy defending herself should be directed towards speaking out against femicide. Users like MUTINDA @snrMUTINDA and Zollz @zollz criticized Passaris for what they perceived as a lack of action and called for accountability.
The exchange on social media revealed a divide in public opinion, with some arguing that Passaris joined the cause too late, while others accused her of political opportunism. The disagreement highlights the complexity of leadership responses to such pressing issues and raises questions about the effectiveness of leaders in addressing femicide.
The controversy surrounding Passaris brings to light a broader issue—do leaders’ responses play a role in the persistence of femicide? Critics argue that delayed or insufficient action may contribute to the prevalence of such cases. The heated online exchange reflects the public’s frustration and demands for accountability from leaders.