"I could hit her": Drama as Passaris, Kihara nearly exchange blows on live TV

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Nairobi woman representative Esther Passaris and Naivasha MP Jane Kihara clashed on live television during a panel discussion

- Passaris accused Kihara of being linked to the 2007 post-election violence in Naivasha, a charge Kihara forcefully rejected on air

- The confrontation grew so heated that the host was forced to intervene and mute Passaris's microphone to restore order

A live television debate on TV47 descended into a near-physical confrontation on Thursday, August 20, in Nairobi, when Nairobi woman representative Esther Passaris and Naivasha Member of Parliament Jane Kihara clashed violently during a panel discussion themed "Politics of Incitement," with the 2027 election cycle as its backdrop.

The exchange turned acrimonious after Passaris invoked the 2007 post-election violence, pointing at Kihara directly and linking her to events that unfolded in Naivasha during that period, when clashes following a disputed presidential election resulted in widespread deaths across the country.

Passaris raises 2007 violence allegations

"When I think of Naivasha and I think of 2007, Jane you were right at the centre of all that mess. You were one of the people who were being investigated," Passaris said. "He who comes to equity must come with clean hands."

Kihara rejected the accusation with increasing agitation, repeatedly demanding that Passaris specify what she was alleged to have done.

"What did I do? What was I being investigated for?" Kihara said.

When Passaris pressed on, saying Kihara had been inciting people "the way you're doing now," Kihara shot back: "You are being stupid now."

Host mutes microphone to restore order

The confrontation escalated further when Kihara declared, "I could hit her," a remark Passaris immediately seized upon.

"Do you see how violent she is?" Passaris responded. Kihara, visibly agitated, added: "I can't debate with a mad woman."

Another interviewee attempted to calm the two legislators by appealing to them as "elder sisters" and members of parliament. The host was eventually forced to cut Passaris's audio feed.

"Madam Passaris, your microphones are muted for now. Please, let me engage," the host said, stepping in to prevent the exchange from deteriorating further.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.