Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has found herself at the center of an online storm after photos of her condolence visit to Raila Odinga’s Karen home went viral.
Passaris was among several Kenyan leaders who visited Mama Ida Odinga and her family to offer their condolences following the death of the former Prime Minister.
Just like other mourners present, she appeared visibly emotional as she paid her respects to the Odinga family.
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However, what caught the public’s attention was not her words of comfort, but rather her choice of attire.
Images widely circulated on social media showed Passaris seated on a sofa, dressed in a short black mini-dress with a deep slit that exposed part of her thighs.
The photos quickly sparked debate online, with many Kenyans questioning whether her outfit was appropriate for such a solemn occasion.
A section of netizens accused the legislator of dishonouring the late Raila Odinga’s memory, claiming her outfit was “disrespectful” and “attention-seeking.”
Others urged her to have dressed more conservatively out of respect for her mentor and his grieving family.
Critics also brought up her age, with some suggesting that a leader of her stature and years should “dress more decently.”
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Netizens Attack Esther Passaris
Below are some of the reactions shared by netizens:
Bongu Machel Fred wrote:
“Pale mtandaoni mambo yamechemka. Mama Esther M. Passaris, OGW, is catching stray bullets in regards to her dress code when she visited Raila Odinga’s Karen home to relay her condolences to the family. Mheshimiwa anawindwa kila pahali.”
David Murathe EGH commented:
“Esther Passaris na yeye leo aliamua nikupaka viti za marehemu mavi💔💔.”
Babu Na Sababu posted:
“60-year-old Esther Passaris visited Raila Odinga’s Karen home to convey her condolences to the family while dressed elegantly, showing her mature and seasoned thighs trying to distract mourners, but the mourners stayed focused and continued mourning Baba Raila Amollo Odinga.”
Simon N. Kinyua Snr added:
“60-year-old Esther Passaris appeared at Raila’s residence in Karen looking like a woman who just left a brothel in Luthuli. Is that the only dress in her closet?”
Despite the backlash, a few Kenyans defended Passaris, arguing that focusing on her appearance rather than the purpose of her visit was unfair and indicative of society’s tendency to police women’s bodies, even in moments of grief.
As of now, Passaris has not issued any public statement regarding the controversy.
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