Backlash after Esther Passaris asks Kenyans to quit sugar, use the money to pay for SHA instead

Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation, Passaris urged citizens to take personal ownership of government development programs. 

She framed the reduction of sugar intake as both a financial strategy to keep up with statutory health contributions and a necessary measure to combat life-threatening medical conditions.

"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. 

Passaris also highlighted how minor household lifestyle adjustments can ease the financial pressure of statutory healthcare deductions. 

Pointing to her own cup of unsweetened black coffee, she argued that the money spent on sugar could directly fund healthcare coverage.

She also stressed that citizens must actively back public initiatives, urging Kenyans to take responsibility for long-term health outcomes and civic obligations.

Beyond the financial benefits of cutting back, the Nairobi lawmaker warned that high consumption of refined sugar poses severe, long-term health risks.

She emphasized that high sugar intake is directly linked to chronic health conditions, including diabetes, dementia, and cancer, noting that cancer cells feed on sugar. 

"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 sentiment, adding that lifestyle changes should start early at home, such as feeding children plain milk in the morning rather than sugary tea to eliminate dependence on added sugar from a young age.

Passaris' sentiments were met with widespread condemnation from Kenyans online, many faulting her thinking and pointing out that her own compatriots' government excesses were to blame for Kenya's dysfunctional systems.

"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.

Someone else said, "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!" 

Yet another dismayed Kenyan wrote, "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."

On his part, 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."