Passaris Blasts Gen Z Over ‘Disrespectful’ Raila and Pope Memes
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has strongly rebuked a section of Kenyan youth for circulating digitally altered images of Raila Odinga dressed as the next Pope. The controversial memes emerged online shortly after the announcement of Pope Francis’s death, sparking a heated debate.
While addressing fellow lawmakers in Parliament on Tuesday, April 22, Passaris expressed her dismay at the mockery, calling it both disrespectful and distasteful. The lawmaker specifically targeted Gen Z Kenyans who, according to her, had crossed a line by involving Raila Odinga and Catholicism in their satire.
“I’ve seen a lot of people online—those without any sense of respect—sharing images of Raila dressed in papal attire, mocking both him and the legacy of Pope Francis,” Passaris said. “This man led two billion spiritual followers. He deserves better, especially now that he’s passed.”
Passaris didn’t hold back in her criticism. She implored Gen Zs to reflect on their actions and consider the pain their posts might cause to millions of Catholic faithful around the world.
“You are mocking the passing of someone who led with grace and humility. Raila Odinga, too, deserves respect. Using AI to turn him into the next Pope is shameful,” she added, visibly upset.
The viral memes appear to be a tongue-in-cheek jab at Odinga’s long political journey marked by repeated, though unsuccessful, attempts at leadership—both nationally and continentally, including his recent bid for the African Union Commission chair.
While some saw the memes as harmless satire, others, including Passaris, viewed them as a cruel form of mockery made worse by the timing.
The Catholic world was plunged into mourning following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21. Vatican officials confirmed that the 88-year-old spiritual leader died at 7:35am in his residence at Casa Santa Marta after a long struggle with double pneumonia.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, Pope Francis had led the Catholic Church since 2013. His health had been a concern in recent years due to chronic respiratory issues stemming from a lung infection in his youth, which resulted in part of one lung being removed.
According to the Vatican’s official statement, Pope Francis suffered a stroke that led to a coma and eventual cardiocirculatory collapse. The details were released by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the Vatican’s health director, later on Monday evening.
In his final testament, Pope Francis made clear that he wished for a modest burial. As such, he will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, at 11:00am at the Basilica of St Mary Major. His grave will be simple, with no elaborate decorations—just the inscription “Franciscus.”
Passaris’s call for decorum comes amid ongoing tensions between Kenya’s political class and digitally outspoken Gen Z citizens who frequently use memes and AI-generated content to express discontent or satire.
While freedom of expression remains protected, the Nairobi Woman Representative insisted that sensitivity must prevail, especially when dealing with matters of faith and death.
“Grief is not a laughing matter,” Passaris concluded. “Let us learn to draw the line between humour and hurtful mockery.”
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Passaris Blasts Gen Z Over ‘Disrespectful’ Raila and Pope Memes
