Over the last few days, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has not been holding back her words when responding to online critics.
The legislator has been in bad books with a section of Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) since she shared post-surgery photos following an operation at the Care Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) Hospital in India.
I flew to Ahmedabad, India on 31st December, 2019 and successfully had Spinal Surgery the following day at CIMS Hospital. I thank God for the Gift of Life, my family for their unconditional love and everyone who whispered a word of prayer as I went in. #OfficiallyMadeOfTitanium pic.twitter.com/9f4ssAkMGp
— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) January 3, 2020
Many were of the opinion that that, as an elected Kenyan leader who sits in the Parliamentary Health Committee, she should pursue the improvement of facilities in local hospitals, not seek expensive medical care abroad.
One of such responses was from George Gathecha, who wrote: “You should stop posting this because, how do you think people from slums feel yet they can’t afford Kenyatta National Hospital KNH?”
Replying from India, Passaris told George to man up and do something about it instead of complaining, adding that she “invested” Ksh. 50 million during her election campaign.
“I served way before being elected,” said the ODM Party member.
What are you doing about it? #ManUp I invested 50 million to be elected a leader. I served way before being elected. At 55 #OfficiallyMadeOfTitenium because of sacrifices I made. As a member of the Health Commitee we shaping the Presidents #AgendaFourKe #UHCKe being crucial.
. https://t.co/oy5iSqNJPD— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) January 4, 2020
The un-honourable respinse drew heavy criticism from other netizens, including Kenyan rapper Kennedy Ombima alias King Kaka of the ‘Wajinga Nyinyi’ hit song who castigated Passaris for being “selfish.”
@EstherPassaris shame shame Shame. The talk should be on how we have made our health reliable to the point you are getting your surgery at KNH. Wewe Uko Hapo unatuambia juu ya 50million. Stop being selfish for once , just for once and serve the people who put you there. Shame
— KING KAKA (@RabbitTheKing) January 5, 2020
Evidently angered by Ombima’s remarks, “Mama Taa”, as she’s been politically branded, decided to hit back, and just like in all her other recent tweets, she definitely wasn’t kind with words.
In an attempt to invalidate King Kaka’s remarks, she asked him to “get off his high horse”, reminding the rapper that unlike him, she has “worked” and “served”.
You are so 'full and fooled' by yourself. 'Words' can instruct but they don't do the work or lead. Let me spell it as it is. Get off your high horse & stop being who you truly are #WajingaNyinyi who thinks through hate you can drive or derive change. I have worked & served. You? https://t.co/9dt7npXg18
— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) January 6, 2020
Choosing to be the bigger person, King Kaka gave a calm and composed reply, wishing a quick recovery to Passaris’ “fresh” wounds and promising to pick up the conversation once she is fully recovered.
@RabbitTheKing that’s maturity 👏
We can’t engage with someone in Hossy. You showed trait of real leadership man – that’s pure Self control and restraints.— Dualeh Jr (@ynaDualeh) January 6, 2020
Good one Kaka….we'll let her heal, after that we start to TALK!! Sisi nao roundi hii…#WajingaNyinyi #mpigs
— Davie (@DavidMwanthi1) January 6, 2020
I need this level of self control aki..
— Elaine (@Elainesoya) January 6, 2020
Here is what other Kenyans had to say to Passaris.
I have read King Kaka's tweet and not seen any word of hate. Just pick the positive criticism and work on the issues raised and ignore the irrelevant ones. You have an obligation to serve the people of Nairobi well. Stop being too defensive.
— Josh Oluga (@Josholuga) January 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/cksidney/status/1214052840383139840?s=19
You spent 50million for campaigns and can't even get a serious political advisor/ strategist/ handler or even a Social Media manager? 🤣🤣🤣 There's a reason your seniors, U.K & R.O never run their own accounts. You're a joke. Put your phone down! You're only making things worse
— Mombasa Control (@machedamike) January 6, 2020
Don’t take everything personal criticism is good and healthy and it builds you and make you even a better person but if you take too personal they you are forgetting that you were elected by the same people you are insulting or reacting to. Chill and Listen to them good day
— Feiwest (@mfwest2006) January 6, 2020
