This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has come under fire from a Citizen TV report that labelled her and two other politicians as 'disaster celebrities' after a classroom collapsed in Dagoretti constituency, killing seven children.
The report, which aired on Monday, September 23, 2019, analysed several politicians who show up whenever disasters happen and start blame-games, yet they do little to avert the tragedies.
Passaris, however, sought to distance herself from the media house's tag, saying that she organized for water, soft drinks, bread and milk for the first responders.
“Really? I was there, assessed the situation, organised for water, soft drinks, bread and milk,” she said.
Passaris was among a number of politicians who showed up at the Precious Talent School after the tragedy, which left 64 others with serious injuries.
She responded to critics who wondered why leaders only come up with suggestions after accidents have happened, saying she was always ready to help but at times lacks resources to cater for the never-ending needs.
“Such is life. Calamities are change agents in human and humane beings. Ask yourself. Why didn’t I cry before? Because it wasn’t in your face. I cry every night with or without tears because of the never-ending needs that I cannot help no matter my desire in the short run,” said the women rep.
