Reuben Kigame demands resignation of Karen Nyamu over Senate remarks
By Mustafa Juma, May 9, 2026Gospel musician and activist Reuben Kigame has called for the resignation of nominated Senator Karen Nyamu following controversial remarks she made toward a student during a Senate session.
Taking to his official X account on the night of Friday, May 8, 2026, the 2027 presidential aspirant said the senator’s conduct was unbecoming of a public leader and accused her of humiliating a young student through inappropriate comments made in a public institution.
“As a teacher, mentor, and parent, I call upon every Kenyan who believes in values and character-driven leadership to join me in demanding the immediate resignation of Senator Karen Nyamu for publicly demeaning a young student through decadent innuendos during a Senate session,” Kigame stated.
He argued that leaders entrusted with public office must uphold integrity, dignity, and moral responsibility, particularly when interacting with children and young people.
The controversy has continued to attract widespread criticism from sections of the public, civil society, and political figures, with concerns raised over conduct within Parliament and the protection of minors in public institutions.
Growing pressure on Nyamu
The latest remarks add to mounting pressure on Nyamu, who has already faced criticism from various groups, including the KANU Women Congress, which has demanded disciplinary action against her.
KANU Women Congress Chairperson Anne Karuga, in a statement issued on Friday, May 8, 2026, 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.
Critics argue that the incident reflects a broader need for accountability and professionalism among elected and nominated leaders.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo is also 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.