Nairobi County Women Representative Esther Passaris faced intense anger from residents in Kamukunji on March 8 during a church gathering.
She was speaking in support of President William Ruto's bid for a second term and the broad-based government coalition.
Videos on social media showed the crowd shouting and heckling her. Organizers quickly intervened and removed the microphone as the situation grew tense.
Passaris, who is originally a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has increasingly supported Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) through the coalition.
She tried to defend her position by saying the partnership was necessary for stability and development in Nairobi. Her remarks, however, angered many attendees who viewed them as a betrayal of ODM leader Raila Odinga's legacy.
The crowd responded with chants of "Wantam," mocking the push for Ruto’s two terms. Many residents blamed the government for economic struggles, including rising prices and delayed flood recovery efforts.
Murmurs of disapproval quickly escalated into loud interruptions. Passaris tried to calm the audience but faced persistent shouting and gestures of protest.
The situation intensified until security and local leaders stepped in. A man gently took the microphone from her amid cheers and boos. Passaris was escorted away, appearing frustrated but composed.
Social media reactions were divided. Supporters praised her courage, while critics called her a "sellout" for backing Ruto despite public grievances. Some described the scene as humiliating, saying residents rejected her “Twotam” message.
This is not the first time Passaris has faced hostility. She was also heckled during a 2024 gender-based violence protest in Nairobi.
Analysts say the incident highlights tensions within ODM over the UDA coalition as the 2027 elections approach. Kamukunji remains a strong opposition area, especially among youth and low-income residents.
Sources close to Passaris say she sees the episode as a minor setback and will continue advocating for inclusive governance. Opposition leaders have used the moment to criticize the broad-based government as a betrayal of voters.
With political tensions rising, such confrontations could become more frequent. Leaders like Passaris will need careful strategies to keep their support in the coming election season.
