Nairobi County Women Representative Esther Passaris sparked debate after making controversial comments on women’s clothing and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Speaking during the issuance Sh9.5m bursary cheques to students from high schools, colleges, and universities in Nairobi County, Passaris used the occassion to make her point on consent.
Dressed in a black dress, she said, “Sasa wajua Leo nilivyotoka nyumbani unaona kidogo hapa juu” — indicating a small cleavage — “na ni yangu, si ya mtu mwingine.”
Passaris referenced the song Fundamentals by Ken Wa Maria to argue that wearing revealing clothing does not give anyone the right to sexually harass, follow, or abuse a woman.
Keep Reading
- After the trauma, finding pathways to healing
- Why you must report to police and see a medic after rape
- How tech is facilitating violence against women
- Majority of Kenyan women still face online violence, new study reveals
She added, “Mnajua ile nyimbo ‘Is That My Goods’? Weka hiyo nyimbo. OCPD tunataka tuambie Wakenya wavulana, hata mwanamke akivaa nguo anaonyesha mguu kidogo, anaonyesha matiti kidogo, anaonyesha hii”, tapping her backside, “hiyo haikupatii ruhusa ya kumtusi. Haikupatii ruhusa ya kumfuata, kumrape na kumuua.”
Her blunt comments, however, divided Kenyans online.
Some criticised her approach, arguing it was too provocative, while others applauded her stance against victim-blaming.
NJoyride on TikTok wrote, “I agree, but dressing modestly helps reduce distractions and temptations to men.” Meanwhile, Jos Mbae said, “She makes sense if you listen without the primitive societal norms. Women shouldn’t be judged on how they dress.”
Passaris insisted that victim-blaming based on “inviting” clothing must end.
“Hii mambo ya kuvamia watoto wetu na akina mama ati wamevaa inviting clothes. Hakuna mtu amekuinvite. Kama mimi sikupendi huwezi nilazimisha. If you rape a woman, it is a crime,” she said.
Her comments have reignited conversations about the line between personal expression and societal expectations, showing the deep divisions in Kenyan society over SGBV, consent, and women’s autonomy.