Nominated senator Karen Nyamu has responded after facing intense backlash over controversial remarks she made about a student visiting the Senate under the School Volunteer Service Scheme.
The controversy erupted after Nyamu made comments in the Senate while a Grade 10 student from Braeburn Garden Estate International School was being acknowledged in the chamber.
Her remarks were widely criticised by Kenyans, fellow leaders, and women’s rights advocates, who termed them inappropriate and disrespectful toward a minor.
Following mounting pressure, the senator was directed by Senate leadership to issue an apology to the student, her family, the Senate, and the public.
However, as criticism continued online, Nyamu took to Facebook to defend herself while also condemning Kenyans for circulating the young girl’s photos on social media.
“By all means go ahead and express yourselves on the matter the best way you know how. Post me, post me again,” Nyamu wrote.
“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? Or does it not matter as long as you get a chance to bash Karen Nyamu?” she added.
The senator further lamented what she described as public judgment, saying people were treating her as though she was beyond redemption.
“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 issue quickly became a major topic online, with many Kenyans accusing the outspoken politician of crossing the line during parliamentary proceedings.
Critics argued that the comments were especially disturbing given that they were directed at a young student visiting Parliament for educational purposes.
According to reports, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi ordered Nyamu to issue an unreserved apology after her statements were deemed unparliamentary and lacking the dignity expected from a state officer.
While reading her apology in the House, Nyamu admitted that her utterances “fell short of the dignity, decorum and respect expected of a state officer,” particularly toward a young female learner.
The incident has once again thrust Nyamu into the spotlight, adding to a growing list of controversies that have frequently sparked debate on social media and in political circles.
Despite the criticism, her latest Facebook statement suggests she feels misunderstood, even as public scrutiny around the matter continues to intensify online.
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