IEBC RECEIVES PETITION TO RECALL ESTHER PASSARIS, LAUNCHES REVIEW PROCESS

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially acknowledged receipt of a petition seeking the recall of Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris. The petition was filed by four individuals Shakira Wafula, Marvin Mabonga, Dominic Omandi, and Cich Soet who accuse the MP of multiple violations of the Constitution.

According to the IEBC, the petition is now under preliminary review to establish whether it meets the legal requirements set out in the Elections Act for a recall process to proceed.

The grounds cited in the petition include:

Alleged violations of Articles 10, 35, 37, 73, 75, 95, and 232 of the Constitution

Undermining the right to peaceful protest and public participation

Failure to adequately represent Nairobi women, especially on issues of police brutality

Alleged alignment with executive overreach

Non-disclosure of the use of National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) resources

Breach of Chapter Six on leadership and integrity

Dissemination of misleading information

Under Kenyan law, a Member of Parliament may be recalled only after serving for at least two years and before the last twelve months of their term. If the petition meets the legal threshold, the petitioners will be required to collect signatures from at least 30% of Nairobi’s registered voters approximately 750,000 people and ensure at least 15% voter representation in at least half of Nairobi’s wards.

Once submitted, IEBC must verify the signatures within 30 days. If valid, the Commission will notify the Speaker of the National Assembly to initiate a recall election within 90 days.

Esther Passaris has not yet publicly responded to the petition. The IEBC has indicated that it will provide further guidance upon completing the preliminary review.