“Respect Her Grandchildren” — Babu Owino’s Attack on Esther Passaris Draws Sharp Reaction

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is facing mounting criticism after publishing a controversial post targeting Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, sparking a heated debate over decorum and respect in Kenya’s political arena.

In the now widely circulated post shared on his verified Facebook account, Owino referred to Passaris as “Grandma Passaris” and went further to make an unsubstantiated personal allegation, claiming that “not everybody will accept her advances,” before adding the phrase “Socialite Bimbo.” The post was accompanied by photos of Passaris taken at public events.

Screenshots of the remarks quickly spread across social media platforms, triggering sharp reactions from Kenyans, civil society groups, and political observers. 

Many critics described the language as demeaning, gendered, and unrelated to any substantive policy disagreement.

Commentators noted that the remarks appeared to cross the line from political critique into personal attack. 

Under Kenya’s Leadership and Integrity Act, state officers are required to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds public confidence and demonstrates respect for others. 

Parliamentary standing orders also discourage the use of abusive or insulting language among members.

Legal analysts have cautioned that making serious personal allegations without evidence could expose a public figure to defamation claims under Kenyan civil law. 

Because the statement originated from a verified account belonging to a sitting MP, it carries significant weight and potential reputational impact.

Women’s rights advocates were among the most vocal critics, arguing that the remarks reflect the hostile environment many female leaders face in Kenya’s male-dominated political space. 

They emphasized that personal insults — especially those targeting age or gender — undermine efforts to promote equality and respectful public discourse.

The phrase “Respect Her Grandchildren” began trending among some online users who urged political leaders to consider the broader social implications of their words. 

Supporters of Passaris argued that disagreements should focus on ideas and governance, not personal attributes.

As of the time of publication, Passaris had not issued a detailed public response to the specific remarks. Owino also had not publicly retracted or clarified the post.

The incident once again highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping Kenya’s political conversation. 

With verified accounts serving as direct channels to millions of followers, observers warn that inflammatory posts can quickly escalate into national controversies — with legal, political, and reputational consequences.

Beyond the immediate fallout, the episode has renewed calls for greater civility, accountability, and ethical standards in online political engagement.