What began as a solemn condemnation of police violence quickly spiralled into an online shouting match one that has gripped Kenyans far beyond the original tragedy.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and media personality Ciru Muriuki are at the heart of a stormy public row, sparked by the police shooting of a street vendor in the capital during anti-government protests.
The vendor, who was reportedly selling face masks on the street, was shot at close range by a police officer, igniting public anger and reviving long-standing concerns over police brutality in Kenya.
Passaris responded with a sharply worded post on X, formerly Twitter, saying the shooting was a sign of deep problems within the police force.
“It is time we review the entry criteria,” she wrote. “Invest in psychosocial support for our officers, implement mandatory body cameras and build a police service grounded in professionalism, dignity and accountability.”
Her call for reform, however, was met with open hostility from Muriuki, who accused the MP of posturing.
“Girl, shut up. You’re not with us. Leave us alone,” Muriuki fired back words that would echo across the internet for hours to come.
Passaris quickly defended herself, insisting she was speaking out in her capacity as an elected leader.
“Even when fighting for justice, I’m told to shut up,” she replied. “Yet I am an elected Member of Parliament for Nairobi County. My job is to speak up for Nairobians — all of them.”
Muriuki wasn’t finished. In a follow-up post, she doubled down:
“I don’t think you understood me the first time, so I’ll say it again. Girl, shut up. Leave us alone. OMG.”
Passaris, who has often clashed with both activists and opposition supporters in the past, struck a defiant tone:
“When someone tells you three times to shut up for doing your job, just know you’ve already said something worth hearing,” she wrote. “I lead. I serve. I speak. That won’t change. I recommend counselling to manage your anger.”
The sharp exchanges have divided Kenyans online. Some say Muriuki spoke for those who feel betrayed by leaders perceived to be complicit in state violence. Others believe Passaris was right to raise her voice.
“She’s part of the government that’s brutalising Kenyans,” one user posted under a trending hashtag. “What does she think we’ll do, thank her?”
But another user wrote, “Whether you like her or not, she’s still the MP. If she doesn’t speak up, who will?”
The row has also drawn attention away from the original tragedy: the shooting of a vendor simply trying to make a living. Human rights groups have called for an independent investigation, and civil society organisations have renewed their calls for police accountability.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga, speaking separately, condemned the killing of peaceful protesters and urged the government to uphold the rule of law.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has said it is looking into the matter but has yet to release any findings.
