‘We are all human beings’ – Passaris dismisses call to identify her tribal roots

Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has firmly dismissed the relevance of identifying her heritage by the tribe.

An X user had asked Passaris if she has Indian origins, commenting on her appearance and the traits that seem to resemble those of Indian descent.

Passaris took the opportunity to clarify her ancestry while stressing the unity of humanity beyond ethnic lines. She stated that her heritage includes Greek, Kikuyu, and Dutch roots, highlighting that Greeks have similar features to Indians.

“Greek; Kikuyu; Dutch. Greeks have very similar features to Indians. Pitch black hair and pointed noses. I am a child of the universe,” she explained.

Passaris emphasized that her identity goes beyond tribal lines, noting that such classifications should not matter, especially in situations of life and death. 

“Greeks have very similar features to Indians. Pitch black hair and pointed noses. I am a child of the universe. If I need blood to survive, my tribal heritage means nothing. If I need any organs, my tribal heritage means nothing,” she added.

Passaris conveyed her belief in a shared human identity, stating that people should see themselves as ‘children of One God.’

On January 21, 2022, Passaris mourned the loss of her father, a Greek naval architect who died at the age of 79. He was a pioneering figure in Kenya’s shipping industry, having built the first ship in the country – MV Mwewe – which famously sailed the East African coast.

“A part of me has died today. The heavens opened and ended my father’s suffering. A naval architect by profession, my dad achieved a lot in his 79 years. From building the first ship in Kenya – the MV Mwewe – that sailed across the East African coast – to coaching and mentoring the young men of Ngome Football Club in Mombasa,” Passaris penned down her tribute.

Adding;

“Dad worked for Southern Engineering Company Limited, COMARCO, before incorporating HELMACO, which he led until retirement. Looking back, none of his achievements compares to the family man that he was: a loving husband to my mother, an incredible dad to his five children, and a doting Papou (grandfather) to his nine grandchildren.

“God was his anchor; gratitude was his prayer. To protect his family and country was his duty.”

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