Esther Passaris criticised over advice to stop buying sugar and pay SHA

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has faced criticism after telling Kenyans to give up sugar and use the money they save to pay for the Social Health Authority.

Woman Rep Passaris made the remarks during an interview on Radio Generation, where she said citizens should support government projects and make changes in their daily lives to meet healthcare contributions. “So as citizens, we’ve got to own our government projects. Yeah, we’ve got to, you know, I keep telling everyone give up sugar. You know, give up sugar. I have my black coffee here, no sugar. Give up sugar so that that 400–500 shillings that you’re spending on sugar can pay your SHA,” she said.

She said reducing sugar use could help households manage health deductions. Pointing to her black coffee, Passaris also linked high sugar intake to serious health conditions. “Sugar is going to land you with diabetes. It’s also bad for cancer. It’s also very bad. Cancer feeds on sugar. Dementia… sugar… sugar has nothing good to offer…” she argued.

The radio host supported the idea, saying parents could start by giving children plain milk in the morning instead of sugary tea.

But many Kenyans online rejected Passaris’ remarks. They said the suggestion was out of touch with families dealing with high living costs, taxes and healthcare deductions. “698, 929 votes… that’s how many people she managed to fool with this reasoning. When you see them displaying ignorance it’s because they know winning in Kenya has absolutely nothing to do with brains,” one Kenyan wrote.

“Imagine having to deal with such foolishness on a regular basis. Some people were put on this earth to make us appreciate the beauty and value of silence! sugar isn’t a luxury in a home with kids – it’s basic breakfast requirement!” another person said. “So politicians live in luxury funded by our taxes, but the solution for a Kenyan struggling with healthcare is to stop putting sugar in their tea? The level of disconnect is unfathomable,” another Kenyan wrote.

X user Kangethe James said: “Telling people to sacrifice basic food to cover government inefficiencies and mandatory deductions is insulting. Next, they will tell us to stop buying salt to pay for the housing levy, or skip one meal a day for tax compliance. We don’t need health advice from politicians; we need accountability for where our funds go.”