Esther Passaris Heckled: Nairobi Woman Rep Forced to Cut Speech Short at Kamukunji Iftar

NAIROBI, Kenya — What was intended to be a peaceful community engagement turned chaotic on Sunday evening as Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was heckled during an Iftar distribution event in Kamukunji. Dressed in a pink floral abaya, the legislator attempted to address the gathered Muslim community to offer condolences for recent flood victims and discuss government interventions. However, her speech was swiftly derailed by a wave of loud, rhythmic chants from the crowd.

The residents, primarily from the Eastleigh and Kamukunji areas, broke into persistent “Wantam” chants—a direct rebuttal to the “TUTAM” (Tutawezana Tena na Mama/Mzee) slogan used by supporters of President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid. The “Wantam” (We don’t want) slogan has recently gained traction in Nairobi’s informal and business hubs as a symbol of resistance against the current administration’s economic policies.

The hostility in the room appeared to stem from deep-seated frustrations over the rising cost of living, new tax measures, and the perceived slow government response to the devastating floods that have hit Nairobi’s Eastlands. Despite Passaris’s attempts to maintain composure and focus on the humanitarian nature of the Iftar, the noise level became unsustainable. Aides were eventually seen escorting the Woman Representative away from the podium as the situation grew increasingly tense.

Taking to social media later that evening, Passaris opted for a more diplomatic tone, sharing photos of the food distribution and noting that she had joined fellow senators to support the community during the Holy Month of Ramadan. She did not directly address the heckling in her posts, focusing instead on the spirit of giving.

The incident highlights the growing political volatility in Nairobi as the country edges closer to the 2027 general elections. Kamukunji, a key Muslim-majority constituency, has historically been a barometer for urban political sentiment, and the weekend’s events suggest that “TUTAM” supporters may face a steep uphill battle in reclaiming the city’s heart amid ongoing economic woes.