Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris has officially announced her plans to vie for the Makadara parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, marking a major shift in her political career. This move comes after she indicated she would not seek re-election as Nairobi Woman Representative, a position she has held for two terms under the affirmative action system.
Passaris revealed that her decision to contest Makadara came after careful consultations with her party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and other political stakeholders. She highlighted that the seat became available after the current MP, George Aladwa, announced his intention to run for Nairobi Governor, leaving Makadara open for new contenders. She also considered other constituencies, including Westlands, but concluded that Makadara was the best fit for her to make a meaningful contribution.
The ODM veteran emphasized that her move is not only about personal ambition but also about expanding female representation in Nairobi’s parliamentary seats, noting that women remain underrepresented in the city’s 26 constituencies. She stated that the affirmative action seat she will vacate should create opportunities for other women leaders to emerge.
Passaris’ announcement signals the beginning of the political realignment in Nairobi as candidates position themselves for the 2027 elections. Her bid for Makadara is expected to attract attention from various political players, especially within ODM, as the party seeks to maintain its influence in key urban constituencies. With her experience, public profile, and grassroots engagement, Passaris is considered a strong contender for the Makadara seat, which has historically been a highly contested constituency.
As Nairobi prepares for the next general election, all eyes will be on how Passaris’ campaign unfolds and how other aspirants in Makadara respond to her entry into the race.