Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has stepped forward to address rising misinformation regarding endometriosis. Her remarks follow a series of disparaging comments made on a local podcast, which sparked widespread outrage across Kenya.
During an episode of the Chizi Podcast, Andy Deh, the son of the late MC Fullstop, claimed that endometriosis is caused by the prolonged use of emergency contraceptive pills (commonly known as P2) and other family planning methods.
The comments were made during a discussion about radio presenter Natalie Githinji, who is currently battling stage 4 endometriosis.
"Nyinyi mnaanza kuingiza ma emotions. Let us deal with the problem. The problem ni ma P2,” Andy Deh said on Chizi Podcast.
Activist Outrage
Andy Deh's comments quickly went viral, drawing severe condemnation from online users and public figures. Activist and comedian Eric Omondi was among the first to demand accountability, calling for Deh to be found.
Omondi expressed his frustration on social media, describing the severity of the disease and criticising those who treat it lightly for online attention.
"Please help me find this Guy. We want to use him as an example for the rest. Endometriosis is a MONSTER that has claimed the lives of so many of our Sisters, Mothers and wives. To Joke about it for the sake of Clicks and Views cannot be forgiven,” Eric Omondi commented.
Passaris Intervenes with Medical Facts
As the controversy grew, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris issued a statement to correct the record and share scientific facts.
The MP explained that the history of the condition long precedes modern contraceptives.
"Endometriosis is a chronic condition whose exact cause remains unknown. It was medically documented as far back as 1860; long before P2 and modern family-planning methods existed," she wrote.
She further clarified that hormonal contraceptives are actually used as part of the treatment plan, rather than being the cause.
"There is no established medical evidence that P2 or family planning causes endometriosis. In fact, some hormonal family-planning methods are prescribed by doctors to manage the pain and bleeding associated with the condition."
Passaris expressed deep concern that false claims might deter women from seeking essential medical assistance.
"As a family-planning advocate, I must challenge claims that frighten women away from safe reproductive healthcare," she added.
"Women living with endometriosis need compassion, accurate information and proper medical care; not blame and misinformation."
She concluded with a warning about the impact of public statements:
"Please consult qualified medical professionals before making public health claims. Words have consequences."
A Global and National Health Crisis
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), endometriosis affects roughly 10 per cent of reproductive-age women globally, representing approximately 190 million women worldwide.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This causes severe pelvic pain, chronic inflammation, and in some cases, infertility.
Medical professionals continue to emphasise that there is currently no known cure and that treatment focuses on symptom management.
