Nairobi, Kenya – April 23, 2025 Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has strongly condemned a trending social media meme depicting Azimio leader Raila Odinga dressed in papal regalia, calling it both blasphemous and a gross violation of cultural and religious values.
The viral image, widely shared across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, shows Raila in digitally altered images wearing attire associated with the Pope, just days after the death of Pope Francis. The content, which has sparked heated online debates, drew sharp criticism from Passaris, who accused content creators of turning sacred imagery into mockery.
Speaking passionately during a public address, Passaris said:
“I’ve seen a lot of people on social media, people who have no respect, clothing Raila in Pope attire. That is disrespectful. I want to speak to our Gen Z. Some of you stand for values, and we respect you for that. But don’t let those values be undermined by those who lack respect.”
She continued by pointing out the irony of such content emerging in a society that claims to honour both culture and religious authority.
“Raila deserves respect, as do the 2 billion Catholics and the Pope, who hasn’t even been laid to rest. Using his death as a mockery is something you should be ashamed of.”
In a society that claims to value culture, leadership, and faith, we must pause when our youth reduce two respected elders—The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, a Statesman, and The Departed Shepherd Of the Catholic Church Pope Francis, a global spiritual leader—into symbols of ridicule.…
— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) April 23, 2025
In a more formal statement shared with the media, Passaris elaborated on the issue, framing it within the broader concerns of digital responsibility, online ethics, and generational values.
“Esther Passaris condemns the blasphemous portrayal of Raila in papal regalia, citing a breach of cultural and religious sanctity. Freedom of expression must not become cyber impunity.”
She warned that although satire and humor are valid tools of commentary, they should not come at the cost of degrading moral and spiritual boundaries.
“In a society that claims to value culture, leadership, and faith, we must pause when our youth reduce two respected elders—The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, a Statesman, and The Departed Shepherd of the Catholic Church Pope Francis, a global spiritual leader—into symbols of ridicule.”
“This is not humour. This is the erosion of values.”
The incident has also reignited debate about the limits of digital freedom in Kenya. With online spaces often becoming a battleground of unfiltered expression, concerns are growing over what is considered acceptable content, especially during sensitive global moments like the death of a religious leader.
“We can challenge leaders. We can question policies. But when satire becomes disrespect, and sacred vestments are used to demean, we lose not just respect for others—we lose respect for ourselves,” Passaris remarked.
She emphasized that Raila Odinga is not just a political leader, but a symbol of Kenya’s long struggle for democracy. Equally, she reminded Kenyans that Pope Francis, who passed away recently, was a spiritual figure whose leadership inspired millions around the world.
“To mock one using the imagery of the other is to dishonour both.”
Kenyans 🇰🇪 have overwhelmingly endorsed Raila Odinga to be the next Pope
As of this publication, Raila Odinga has not issued any statement in response to the memes. However, his supporters have expressed disappointment over what they term as “intentional humiliation” of a national elder.
Some netizens defended the meme as harmless satire, pointing out that political figures worldwide are subject to parody. Others, however, agreed with Passaris and urged their peers to practice restraint, especially during moments of mourning and reflection.
Father Patrick Oduor of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Nairobi also chimed in, stating:
“We appreciate humor, but sacred vestments and the papal image carry deep spiritual meaning. To link them with local politics in this manner is insensitive, especially so soon after the Pope’s passing.”
The Bigger Picture: Raising a Values-Based Generation
Passaris ended her statement with a rallying call to Kenyan youth:
“Let us raise a generation that disagrees with dignity.”
This message resonates at a time when Kenya is grappling with how to align the values of a tech-savvy Gen Z with the country’s cultural and moral fabric. The viral meme may have triggered outrage, but it has also opened up an important national conversation.
In an era where virality often trumps virtue, Passaris’ appeal underscores a fundamental question: How far is too far when it comes to internet humor?
As the Catholic world prepares for the burial of Pope Francis, and with Raila Odinga remaining an active player in Kenya’s political arena, there should be a fine line between satire and sacrilege—and the need to tread it with respect.
