Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has come out strongly to defend herself and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after a wave of controversial online memes surfaced in the wake of Pope Francis’ death.
The memes, created using AI-generated images, humorously depicted Raila Odinga as the next Pope — a move that sparked sharp criticism from Passaris and a heated exchange between her and a section of Kenyans online.
On Thursday, April 24, Passaris issued a strongly worded statement where she expressed deep frustration over the treatment she’s been receiving online.
She particularly condemned those who have been insulting her, leaking her private contacts, and attempting to disturb her peace.
“To those who continue to insult me online, share my private information, and try to take away my peace of mind — just know that you are a minority.
The majority of Kenyans who we serve know the value of respect, personal boundaries, and responsibility,” Passaris said in her statement.
She went on to emphasize that her critics, whom she described as noisy and disrespectful, are not representative of the entire population.
“I take comfort in the knowledge that empty vessels make the loudest noise. And let’s be clear — noise has never built a country. It’s service that builds a nation,” she stated.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, April 22, while speaking during a session in Parliament, Passaris had harsh words for members of Generation Z.
She took issue with their behavior on social media, where some had photoshopped images of Raila Odinga dressed as the Pope shortly after Pope Francis’ passing.
Passaris called the act extremely disrespectful, not only to Raila Odinga but also to the global Catholic community which is mourning the death of their spiritual leader.
She pleaded with the youth to show more consideration during such solemn moments.
“I’ve seen so many people online — especially the youth who seem to lack respect — mocking the death of a holy man who served as a spiritual guide to over two billion people.
Editing images to make Raila look like the next Pope is not just insulting to him, but to all Catholics around the world,” she said.
“I want to urge our young people — respect Raila Odinga, respect the Pope, and respect the billions of Catholics mourning this loss. This is not a time to make jokes.
The Pope hasn’t even been buried yet, and you’re already using his death to make fun of someone else. That’s not just wrong — it’s shameful,” Passaris insisted.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, after a long battle with double pneumonia.
According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, the Pope died peacefully at 7:35 a.m. at his Vatican residence in Casa Santa Marta.
“Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at Casa Santa Marta,” read a tweet from Vatican News.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, Pope Francis led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death, leaving behind a legacy of reform, humility, and a deep connection with the poor and marginalized.
In the days following his passing, some Kenyans took to social media to create and share AI-edited images of Raila Odinga dressed in papal robes.
Many interpreted the memes as a satirical jab at Odinga, poking fun at his numerous failed bids for top leadership roles — both in Kenya and at the continental level.
Raila has contested five presidential elections and recently vied unsuccessfully for the chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC).
These repeated defeats have made him a frequent subject of internet mockery, especially among younger, politically active Kenyans.
However, for Esther Passaris, this kind of satire has crossed the line — especially when it comes at the expense of religious respect and personal dignity.
Join Our Political Forum official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
