This archive report was first published on 4 January 2020.
On January 4, 2020, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris found herself at the center of a heated online debate after sharing pictures of herself in a hospital in India, where she was receiving treatment for a successful spinal surgery.
Passaris had undergone two back surgeries in Kenya the previous year, but she had chosen to seek further treatment abroad. This decision sparked criticism from some Kenyans, who felt that she was showing a lack of faith in the country's healthcare system.
One online user, @EnochCheruiyot6, tweeted, 'This is a Kenyan MP in the capital city of Nairobi, saying she went for treatment abroad coz hospitals in the city lack facilities, qualified personnel and ability to treat her. Poor Kenyans who can't afford abroad should just die, that's what she is saying.'
However, economist David Ndii immediately came to Passaris' defense, arguing that she had every right to choose what was best for her well-being. He pointed out that she had already undergone two surgeries in Kenya and that she should not be criticized for seeking further treatment abroad.
Ndii responded to the criticism with a series of tweets, saying, '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?' He also suggested that the leadership could bring in expertise from India to improve Kenya's healthcare system.
Passaris' decision to seek medical treatment abroad has sparked a wider debate about the state of Kenya's healthcare system and the choices that public figures should make when it comes to their own health.
