Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to investigate allegations of cyber harassment after a fake social media post circulated online claiming she praised Tanzania’s electoral process.
The viral post falsely attributed a quote to Passaris, suggesting she had never witnessed a more credible election than Tanzania’s and that she urged President William Ruto to emulate his Tanzanian counterpart, President Samia Suluhu.
Passaris, who was serving as an African Union election observer in Tanzania, denied the claims, calling the post a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and distort her role.
"Fake posters and fabricated statements using my name and image have been circulating online to mislead the public and distort my role as an AU observer," Passaris said.
She urged the DCI, CA, and Judiciary to take decisive action, emphasizing that impersonation and digital fraud must have consequences under Kenya’s cyber laws.
Passaris highlighted her official role during the Tanzanian polls held on October 29, 2025, praising the importance of a peaceful, transparent electoral process that respects voters’ voices and strengthens regional unity.
The lawmaker’s move comes amid growing concerns over the spread of misinformation and cyber harassment targeting public figures, particularly officials engaged in international missions.