Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has weighed in on a controversial social media message by political scientist Mutahi Ngunyi directed at the Mt Kenya community, urging Kenyans to move away from tribal politics and instead focus on leadership that delivers tangible development.
The debate began after Ngunyi posted a strongly worded message on X addressing the Kikuyu community about their voting decisions in the 2022 elections.
In the message, the political analyst said he had advised them not to vote for President William Ruto in 2022 but claimed they ignored the warning and were now regretting the decision.
Ngunyi went further to predict that if the community fails to support Ruto in the 2027 elections, they would continue regretting their political choices for decades.
His remarks quickly sparked debate online, with many Kenyans questioning the tone and implications of the statement.
Responding to the remarks, Passaris acknowledged Ngunyi’s long-standing reputation for provoking debate on political issues but emphasized the need for caution when addressing communities collectively.
She noted that while Ngunyi’s posts often challenge Kenyans to think critically about politics, no community in the country speaks with a single voice.
According to the Nairobi lawmaker, the political landscape in the Mt Kenya region is already showing signs of diverse opinions, which she described as an indication of political maturity.
“The Kikuyu people are a strong and influential bloc in Kenya’s politics,” Passaris said, adding that with such influence comes the responsibility to help steer the country away from tribal-based political competition.
The legislator argued that Kenya is gradually entering a new political era driven by generational change. She said the emerging generation of voters must learn to question political narratives, avoid manipulation, and make decisions based on the long-term interests of the country.
Passaris also reflected on the competitive nature of Kenya’s democratic contests, noting that many elections are decided by narrow margins. In her view, this demonstrates that voters across the country are constantly searching for leadership that can genuinely improve their lives.
She maintained that development remains one of the strongest factors influencing public confidence in government.
“When people begin to see roads being built, markets rising, infrastructure expanding and opportunities opening, confidence in government begins to grow,” she said.
Passaris added that development plays a crucial role in strengthening communities by creating jobs and restoring dignity among citizens.
She further argued that ongoing investment and construction in different parts of the country should help address frustrations that often fuel political tension.
However, the Nairobi Woman Representative cautioned that the country’s political culture must also mature, warning that misinformation and exaggerated political narratives can mislead voters.
“Lies may excite us in the moment, but they never liberate us,” she said, noting that disappointment often follows when the truth eventually emerges.
Passaris concluded by urging Kenyans to judge leaders based on policies and results rather than ethnic identity or political hype.
She expressed optimism that Kenya is slowly moving toward a more issue-based political culture where citizens prioritize what benefits the country and improves the lives of ordinary people.