Passaris: I've not endorsed anyone for Nairobi woman rep seat ahead of 2027 election

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris (L) and nominated senator Karen Nyamu (R). (Photo: File, Standard)

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has moved to firmly shut down swirling rumours suggesting she has endorsed a preferred candidate to take over her seat in 2027.

This comes after a wave of edited posters and reports of her endorsing Karen Nyamu flooded social media.

Passaris's clarification came through a statement posted on her X account, where Passaris addressed the speculation head-on.

“Over the last 24 hours, I’ve seen several edited posters circulating online. Let me set the record straight.
By 2027, God willing, I will have completed two full terms as Nairobi Woman Rep. This is an affirmative action seat, and I believe it is time for another woman to lead,” she wrote.

Her remarks also marked her clearest confirmation yet that she does not intend to seek a third term, noting that stepping aside is in line with the spirit of the seat.

Over the last 24 hours, I’ve seen several edited posters circulating online. Let me set the record straight.

By 2027, God willing, I will have completed two full terms as Nairobi Woman Rep. This is an affirmative action seat, and I believe it is time for another woman to lead.…

— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) November 21, 2025

She reiterated that she has not endorsed anyone to succeed her and dismissed attempts to rope her into succession politics.

“To be clear: I have not endorsed anyone for the seat. It is far too early for that, and I will not be drawn into political games, misinterpretations, or manipulated graphics.”

Speculation had escalated after a recent event on November 19, where Passaris publicly restated her decision to step down after two terms and playfully nudged Senator Karen Nyamu to consider throwing her hat in the ring.

@babu_nasababu Esther Passaris has endorsed Karen Nyamu for Nairobi County Women Rep in 2027. Curves after curves, I’m telling you. Esther leaves with ripe, succulent, and seasoned curves and enters Nyamu with largely used and mature curves. Eloi! Let me close this update with a Senate proverb that says, “Women with big buttocks are always celebrated at night.” #fyp #nairobitiktokers #kenyapolitics #karen #passaris ♬ original sound - Babu Na Sababu

“Karen is not bold enough, so I'm going to do this for her. I said I was not going to run for Woman Rep again, and the reason why I'm not going to run again in 2027 is because it is an affirmative seat. If I have done it for two terms, I need to look for something else to do.”

The comments were later twisted into claims of endorsement, a narrative she has now flatly rejected.

Reaffirming her political position, Passaris said she remains firmly aligned with her party.
“As an ODM leader, I will respect the party’s decision when the time comes.”

She also clarified her broader national political stance, declaring her personal support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
“As for the presidency in 2027, my personal endorsement is for President Ruto because I believe in his leadership, his focus, his hard work, and his transformational agenda,” she said.

Passaris concluded, “My focus remains on service, delivery, and being part of Kenya’s shift from politics to prosperity.”