A photo collage of former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and Senator Karen Nyamu /HANDOUT

Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo has called on the Senate to take further action against nominated Senator Karen Nyamu despite her public apology over controversial remarks directed at a female student during a Senate sitting.

Odhiambo said the apology issued by Nyamu on the floor of the House was insufficient, arguing that the matter involved the dignity and protection of a child and should not end with what she termed as a “theatrical apology”.

Her remarks came two days after Nyamu tendered an unconditional apology before the Senate following directions issued by Speaker Amason Kingi.

“What happened in the Senate Chamber on March 25 2026 was not just an embarrassment but a gross violation of the dignity of a child,” Odhiambo said in a statement on Thursday.

“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 further said Parliament should remain a safe environment for children and young learners visiting the institution.

“The Senate must be a SAFE space that affirms the dignity and future of our children,” she stated.

She cited Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution, which guarantees children protection from abuse and inhuman treatment, as well as Article 53(2), which provides that the best interests of the child are paramount in every matter concerning children.

Odhiambo also referenced Section 22(1) of the Children Act, 2022, saying it prohibits psychological abuse against children, including acts likely to cause humiliation and embarrassment.

“I call upon the Senate to go beyond accepting the theatrical apology and take concrete accountability measures,” she said.

“An apology that is read and accepted in minutes is not justice. If we are serious about protecting the girl child, then our institutions must reflect that seriousness.”

The controversy arose from remarks made by Nyamu during a Senate sitting on March 25 while welcoming a female student who was attending proceedings under the School Voluntary Service Scheme.

During her remarks, Nyamu suggested senators should first clarify the “service” the student would offer, comments that sparked criticism online and among child rights defenders.

“I saw Senator Cherargei getting very excited when he saw the lady. It’s good to clarify the service she’s offering,” Nyamu said during the session.

The remarks prompted intervention from Speaker Amason Kingi, who later ruled that the statements were inappropriate and below the standards expected of senators.

“The utterances made brought embarrassment to the Senate, the student, the student’s family and the public,” Kingi said in a communication to the House on May 5.

He directed Nyamu to issue an unreserved apology before being allowed to transact any further business in the Senate.

Later that day, Deputy Speaker Veronica Maina called upon Nyamu to formally apologise before the House.

In her apology, Nyamu admitted the remarks were inappropriate and fell short of the dignity expected of a state officer.

“I hereby tender my unreserved apology to the Senate, the student under the School Voluntary Service Scheme, the family of the student and the public,” Nyamu said.

“I acknowledge that the utterances were inappropriate and fell short of the dignity, decorum and respect expected of a state officer, particularly towards a young female learner.”

She also reaffirmed her commitment to uphold the values and integrity of the Senate and to treat young people engaging with Parliament with respect and courtesy.

Despite the apology, Odhiambo maintained that the Senate should take stronger accountability measures to demonstrate commitment to the protection and dignity of children in public institutions.