Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris stirred intense emotion in Parliament after delivering a deeply passionate defense of President William Ruto—a speech that saw her voice shake and her eyes well up as she addressed critics calling the Head of State a dictator.
Passaris, known for her calm and composed demeanor, surprised many when she launched into a heartfelt appeal urging Kenyans to change how they perceive the President. She argued that the narrative portraying Ruto as a dictator is misleading, unfair, and politically driven.
According to Passaris, even if some people insist on labeling the President a “dictator,” what matters most is whether his leadership brings positive change to the country.
“Some people are saying Ruto is a dictator,” she said emotionally. “But if you have a benevolent dictator, and he gets things done, it is not bad for our country.”
Her statement triggered murmurs in the House, with some MPs shifting uneasily as she continued to defend Ruto’s leadership style. Passaris emphasized that Kenya is facing difficult times and that the nation requires unity, focus, and faith—rather than constant criticism, blame, and political noise.
She went on to urge Kenyans to pray for President Ruto instead of attacking him, saying the weight he carries as the country’s top decision-maker is immense.
“Kenyans should wake up and start praying for Ruto,” she pleaded. “The challenges he is facing need support, not insults.”
Passaris’ emotional defense comes at a time when debates on governance, freedom of expression, and the state of the economy have intensified across the country. Many Kenyans have expressed frustration over the rising cost of living, prompting opposition figures and activists to question the government’s priorities and leadership direction.
Reaction to Passaris’ speech was immediate and polarized. Supporters praised her courage, saying few leaders are willing to speak honestly about the pressures of leadership. Critics, however, argued that calling a leader a “benevolent dictator” is dangerous and undermines democratic principles.
Regardless of the differing opinions, one thing is clear: Passaris’ rare emotional display has reopened the national conversation about leadership, trust, and the expectations Kenyans place on their elected officials. Her words—bold, emotional, and controversial—will likely continue to spark debate both inside and outside Parliament.
