Passaris Unearths Plan to Block Timothy Wanyonyi From Vying For Governor

File image of Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
File image of Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.

Nairobi Woman Representative, Esther Passaris, has unearthed a plan to block Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi from vying for the county's top seat in the August 9 polls.

Speaking during a function on Friday, January 14, the Legislator alleged that some unidentified people were trying to force some aspirants to drop their bids in favour of others.

Passaris alleged that some candidates, including herself, had been asked to step down on grounds that they lack the support of certain communities.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Woman Rep Esther Passaris during the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in 2018.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Woman Rep Esther Passaris during the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in 2018.
Daily Nation

"Some people have told me that I can not vie as Woman Representative because I am a Kikuyu, but I told them that I'm a Kenyan. In 2017, I'm the only one who delivered a top seat to ODM in Nairobi County.

"But now, I am being told that I don't stand a chance if I go up against another lady from another community," she noted.

However, she did not reveal the names of the people who were coercing her to drop out of the race.

Further, Passaris urged President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, to allow voters to choose the person they want instead of sidelining candidates because of their tribes.

"I want to speak to the President and the former Prime Minister. In ODM we have honourable Tim Wanyonyi, who declared his interest to become the next governor of Nairobi County. Disability is not inability.

"From all the Members of Parliament in Nairobi, I have seen the work of Tim Wanyonyi. He works very hard. Now he wants to go higher and serve Nairobi County. However, some people are saying that the seat must be for a Kikuyu. That is tribalism and it goes against what Raila and Uhuru are promoting. Nairobi is not for one tribe," Passaris stated.

According to her, a proper opinion poll should be conducted to determine who should be given the Azimio La Umoja ticket for the gubernatorial seat.

On November 14, 2021, Wanyonyi formally launched his bid for the Nairobi gubernatorial bid. He stated that he was ready to begin campaigns for the seat in next year’s General Election.

“Having served in Nairobi County for a total of 15 years, I am well aware of what residents of Nairobi require and I will fix it!” He remarked.

Wanyonyi promised to transform the city to realize its potential as the region’s business hub as well as increase the use of ICT in service delivery.

He added that his 15 years of experience as an MP and nominated councillor were testimony to what he could deliver for the city, if he is elected Governor.

Other people who have declared interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat are, Johnson Sakaja, Bishop Margret Wanjiru, Richard Ngatia and Agnes Kagure.

Nairobi businesswoman and politician Agnes Kagure
Nairobi businesswoman and politician Agnes Kagure.
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