Passaris explains why she supports Ruto’s re-election in 2027
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has explained some of the reasons why she has publicly thrown her weight behind President William Ruto’s bid for a second term.
Taking to her official X account on the night of Saturday, August 9, 2025, Passaris praised Ruto’s focus, leadership style, and commitment to transforming Kenya.
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She explained that Ruto was “not a sly coot, but a man on a mission to transform Kenya before it’s too late,” adding that he understood the country’s challenges and was willing to take bold, sometimes unpopular, actions to address them.
“Finally, Tiefong, we agree on something, Tutam, for @WilliamsRuto. Not a sly coot, but a man on a mission to transform Kenya before it’s too late. Love him or hate him, he understands our problems, the urgency to fix them, and has the courage to act even when it’s unpopular,” Passaris stated while responding to a comment made by lawyer Cliff Ombeta.
Passaris on Ruto’s scorecard
Passaris also commended Ruto for what she has termed as taking full responsibility since assuming office, staying focused on his agenda, and putting God at the centre of his leadership — even leading prayers himself.
“He wasn’t at the helm before. Now, he takes full responsibility, stays focused, and puts God first, even leading prayers himself. One day, even you might say: He did it for Kenya,” she stated.
Backlash
Passaris has been facing backlash over her role in Ruto’s administration due to the updates she has been giving via social media.
Just recently, she was forced to respond to criticism regarding her statement on President Ruto’s state visit to Ethiopia, clarifying that her role was based on her position in the Pan-African Parliament.
In a firm and pointed statement shared on her X account on Monday, July 28, 2025, Passaris addressed those questioning her involvement, emphasising her engagement in continental diplomacy.
“My friend Wakili! A quick one, while you’re just catching up to the President’s visit to Ethiopia, some of us were already plugged in,” she wrote.
“When I’m not representing Nairobi County as the Woman Representative, I’m also representing Kenya in the Pan-African Parliament, where continental diplomacy, such as the president’s visit to Ethiopia, actually matters.”
Her comments came in response to growing online criticism, particularly from Cliff Ombeta, a legal professional, who questioned why a county representative was part of a diplomatic mission typically reserved for members of the executive or foreign affairs officials.
Passaris defended her participation, arguing that her role spans county, national, and continental responsibilities.
