KANU demands disciplinary action against Karen Nyamu over Senate remarks
By Mustafa Juma, May 8, 2026The Kenya African National Union (KANU) party has called for disciplinary action against nominated Senator Karen Nyamu following controversial remarks she allegedly made toward a student who was present in the Senate public gallery.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 8, 2026, via social media, the women’s wing of the party, KANU Women Congress, condemned the remarks, describing them as insensitive and inappropriate.
KANU Women Congress Chairperson Anne Karuga said the comments issued in reference to the student reflected poorly on the dignity expected of public leaders and lawmakers.
“We have noted with deep concern the recent insensitive remarks laced with inappropriate undertones made by Senator Karen Nyamu towards a student at the gallery during proceedings on the floor of the Senate. It was a dishonourable display of indignity towards the innocence of childhood by a supposed honourable senator,” the statement read.
The organisation further stressed that Parliament, and particularly the Senate, should remain a safe and respectful environment for children and young people visiting public institutions.
“The Senate is a hallowed institution and the epitome of the rule of law and must remain a safe, dignified, and protected space for children,” the statement added.
Concern over apology
The KANU Women Congress also criticised Nyamu for what it termed a hesitation to offer an unconditional apology after directions from the Speaker.
“Equally concerning was the Senator’s hesitation to offer an unqualified and unconditional apology despite clear direction from the Speaker,” the statement said.
The organisation argued that leaders occupying public office carry a higher moral and ethical responsibility and should be held accountable for their conduct.
Calls for disciplinary measures
KANU urged the Senate to take appropriate action against the senator and establish safeguards to ensure that children interacting with public institutions are treated with dignity and respect.
“We therefore call upon the Senate to take appropriate disciplinary action and put in place firm measures to ensure dignity and protection for children interacting with public institutions,” Karuga said.
The incident has sparked discussion online and within political circles, with some leaders and members of the public questioning the standards of conduct expected from elected and nominated officials.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo is among those who have condemned the remarks.
In a statement on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Odhiambo said the events that unfolded in the Senate Chamber on March 25, 2026, were “not just an embarrassment but a gross violation of the dignity of a child.
According to Odhiambo, the student had visited Parliament under the School Voluntary Service Scheme to learn about legislative processes when she was subjected to inappropriate and degrading remarks by the senator.
“What happened in the Senate Chamber on 25th March 2026 was not just an embarrassment but a gross violation of the dignity of a child. A young female student who went to Parliament under the School Voluntary Service Scheme to learn was met with inappropriate and degrading remarks from Senator Karen Nyamu,” Odhiambo stated.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has also called for restraint and protection of a student’s dignity following the uproar.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 8, 2026, Passaris emphasised that while accountability in public leadership remains important, equal attention must be given to safeguarding the emotional well-being of young people caught in public controversy.
Karen Nyamu’s remarks
The controversy erupted during a Senate session held under the Senate’s School Outreach and Mentorship Programme, where students had visited Parliament for civic education and mentorship exposure.
During the proceedings, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot introduced a female student who was part of the delegation, setting the stage for what was meant to be a routine engagement between lawmakers and visiting learners.
While contributing to the debate, Senator Karen Nyamu made remarks that sparked immediate uproar inside the House and later across social media platforms.
“I saw Senator Cherargei getting excited when he saw the lady. It’s good to specify the service she’s going to offer the Senate,” Nyamu said.
The statement quickly drew criticism from both members of the public and political leaders, with many accusing the senator of making inappropriate and suggestive remarks about a minor in a formal parliamentary setting.
Following the backlash, the Senate Speaker’s panel directed Nyamu to issue an apology to the student, her family, and the public.