Passaris proposes law to punish people seeking sexual favours to offer essential services

In a bold move to tackle a hidden menace, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris is pushing for new laws to crack down on sextortion — a troubling practice where individuals are coerced into providing sexual favours in return for essential services.

In her petition before the National Assembly, the lawmaker is calling for sextortion to be explicitly recognised and punished under Kenyan law.

Sextortion, she argues, is not only a violation of human rights but also undermines public trust in both government and private organisations.

During Thursday's appearance before the National Assembly's Petition Committee which is led by Vihiga MP Kavai Kagesi, Passaris presented her case on the need for severe penalties for those engaging in sextortion.

She highlighted the growing prevalence of the vice and the urgent need for legislative action.

"The demand for sex in exchange for essential resources, services, and opportunities is both an infringement of human rights and a significant obstacle to achieving development goals based on gender equality, transparency, and accountable governance," Passaris explained.

Currently, Kenyan laws do not specifically address sextortion as a distinct crime.

Although Section 37 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2018 touches on some aspects of sextortion, Passaris believes more comprehensive legal measures are necessary.

"Sextortion disproportionately affects vulnerable women and girls due to factors like poverty, lack of education, political disenfranchisement, and various disabilities, though men and boys can also be victims," she explained.

"This practice not only harms individuals but also impedes efforts to empower women and advance sustainable development," she added

Passaris's petition proposes that the Penal Code, the Sexual Offences Act, and other relevant criminal laws be updated to clearly define sextortion as a crime. She also advocates for explicit penalties and support systems for victims.

"Sextortion is a form of corruption that silently preys on the vulnerable. It involves coercion rather than consent, and our current laws do not adequately address or define it as sexual exploitation and harassment, which hampers effective prosecution and victim protection," she told the committee.

If successful, Passaris's petition could lead to significant legal changes aimed at curbing sextortion and protecting those who are targeted by this form of abuse.