Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris ignited debate when she gave an update on her health status following a successful spinal surgery in India.
On Friday, January 3, Passaris disclosed that she had spent her New Year's Eve at Care Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) Hospital.
"It was not my desire to be operated on abroad but unfortunately I just couldn't get a Kenyan team together. I was not getting a clear answer on the type of treatment I needed to effectively deal with the excruciating and chronic pain and I just couldn't wait any longer," Passaris tweeted.
Her update elicited mixed reaction as Kenyans wished her quick recovery while others tore into her.
"Our prayers for quick recovery," former presidential aspirant Martha Karua joined other Kenyans in wishing her a speedy recovery.
"This is a Kenyan MP in the capital city of Nairobi, saying she went for treatment abroad because hospitals in the city lack facilities, qualified personnel and ability to treat her. Poor Kenyans who can't afford (treatment) abroad should just die, that's what she is saying," Enoch Cheruiyot lamented.
"There is a spinal injury hospital in Nairobi. A public hospital," rapper King Kaka suggested.
"You should stop posting this because, how do you think people from slums feel yet they can't afford Kenyatta National Hospital?" George Gathecha wondered attracting Passaris' reply.
According to the ODM legislator, she and all other Nairobi residents strived for the best and that's why she invested in becoming a leader to bring change.
"Everything isn't always about us and them. How would compromising my health benefit the health of slum dwellers? My experiences help shape our health care reforms goals as a leader and a citizen," Passaris argued as economist David Ndii jumped in and defended her.
"Why are you so mean? Esther had two back surgeries in Kenya last year. Are you suggesting people in public life should sacrifice their wellbeing for political correctness?" Ndii quizzed.
Cases of politicians and wealthy Kenyans seeking treatment abroad have been a bone of contention in Kenya.
Video: Twitter/Esther Passaris
