NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris has condemned remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, terming them reckless and irresponsible after he appeared to suggest that First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto’s choice to wear shades could be linked to abuse.
In a firm statement attached to a video, Passaris defended the First Lady, outlining various reasons why women choose to wear sunglasses.
She emphasized that such claims not only lack evidence but also risk trivializing a deeply serious issue.
“Targeting our First Lady, Her Excellency @MamaRachelRuto, and suggesting that her wearing shades is evidence of abuse is reckless and irresponsible,” Passaris stated.
She warned that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) should never be turned into political theatre or used as a tool for scoring political points.
According to Passaris, SGBV is a grave concern that affects countless women, families, and survivors across the country. Reducing it to speculation or insinuation, she noted, undermines the lived experiences of victims and diminishes the urgency required to address the vice.
“Sexual and gender-based violence is not something to trivialize, weaponize, or turn into political theatre. It is a serious issue that affects real women, real families, and real survivors, and it must never be reduced to speculation, insinuation, or cheap political attacks,” she said.
She further stressed that careless statements from leaders can perpetuate harmful narratives and distract from genuine efforts to combat abuse and support survivors.
