Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu is facing sustained criticism after controversial remarks she made about a Grade 10 student in the Senate triggered a national debate on conduct and the protection of minors.
The remarks, captured in a video that has since gone viral, drew sharp backlash from Kenyans online. Critics accused the senator of making inappropriate and suggestive comments about the student, who was in the chamber under the School Voluntary Service Scheme.
The video, alongside her apology on the Senate floor, has continued to circulate widely.
The video, alongside her apology on the Senate floor, has continued to circulate widely.
Responding to he backlash, Nyamu defended herself while raising concern over the circulation of the student’s images online. She urged members of the public to focus criticism on her instead of exposing the minor.
“By all means go ahead and express yourselves on the matter the best way you know how. Post me, post me again,” she said. “But for heaven’s sake, why are you circulating the poor girl’s images all over social media? Do you really know what you’re doing to her?”
Her response comes amid growing calls for accountability from legal and civil society actors. Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo described the remarks as demeaning and called for action beyond an apology.
Nyamu also appeared to respond to the intensity of criticism directed at her, suggesting she had been misunderstood.
“Lucky you perfect people who never make mistakes or never get misunderstood. I look forward to being just like you. For now, I’m still imperfect, still misunderstood, still trying,” she said.
The incident has renewed focus on standards of conduct in Parliament and the treatment of young visitors in official spaces. It has also raised concerns about the sharing of minors’ images online, especially in politically charged debates.
Although Nyamu issued an apology in the Senate, public reaction remains strong, with some calling for further action and clearer safeguards to protect students visiting Parliament.