Media personality Lynn Ngugi has escalated pressure on nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, calling for her resignation or removal from the Senate over controversial remarks involving a Grade 10 student that have sparked nationwide backlash.
The incident occurred during a Senate sitting, where Nyamu made comments that were widely interpreted as suggestive toward a minor who had visited Parliament under a school programme.
The remarks drew sharp criticism from the public, leaders, and rights groups, with many terming them inappropriate and demeaning.
In a statement, Ngugi described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, arguing that the Senate should be a safe and respectful space for students.
She said a young girl visiting a national institution should leave feeling inspired, not embarrassed or reduced to the subject of inappropriate remarks.
“What happened to that student in Senate was deeply inappropriate and honestly very uncomfortable to watch,” Ngugi said. “A child walked into a national institution under a school programme and somehow ended up being spoken about in a suggestive manner by an adult holding public office.”
Ngugi dismissed attempts to downplay the incident as part of Nyamu’s personality, insisting that leadership requires discipline and awareness, particularly when dealing with minors.
She maintained that public officials must exercise restraint in their speech at all times.
She further questioned the process through which individuals are nominated to the Senate, raising concerns about the standards applied in selecting leaders.
According to her, the incident points to a deeper issue within public institutions.
“Public office comes with responsibility, maturity and self-control. If someone cannot understand the weight of their words around minors, then they honestly should not continue occupying such a position,” she stated.
Ngugi also raised broader concerns about governance, questioning the criteria used to appoint leaders and the values being upheld. She warned that normalising such conduct risks eroding public confidence in institutions meant to uphold integrity.
Her remarks come after Nyamu issued an apology following the incident, as directed by the Senate.
However, the apology has done little to calm public anger, with many calling for further action beyond words.