Kanu women raise concern over Nyamu remarks

KANU Women Congress Chairperson Anne Karuga

KANU Women Congress has raised concern over what it terms as insensitive remarks made by Senator Karen Nyamu towards a student at the gallery during proceedings on the floor of the Senate.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 8, 2026, the organisation said it had noted with concern the remarks it attributed to the Senator, saying they were “insensitive remarks laced with inappropriate undertones” directed at a student during Senate proceedings.

It described the conduct as “a dishonourable display of indignity towards the innocence of childhood by a supposed honourable Senator.”

The Senate is a hallowed institution and the epitome of the rule of law, and said it must remain a safe, dignified and protected space for children," read the statement by KANU Women Congress Chairperson Anne Karuga.

”Public institutions must uphold dignity when interacting with children and members of the public."

KANU Women Congress also raised concern over what it termed the Senator’s hesitation to offer “an unqualified and unconditional apology” despite what it said was a clear direction from the Speaker. It stated that public leaders bear a higher moral and ethical responsibility and that accountability must begin with those in public office.

The organisation called on the Senate to take appropriate disciplinary action and to put in place firm measures to ensure dignity and protection for children interacting with public institutions.

The statement comes amid growing pressure on the Senate over the incident, following separate calls from former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo, who also urged the House to take further action despite an apology issued by Senator Nyamu.

Odhiambo said the apology delivered on the floor of the Senate was insufficient, arguing that the matter involved the dignity and protection of a child and required stronger accountability measures.

She said the incident, which occurred during a Senate sitting on March 25, 2026, involved a female student who had attended proceedings under the School Voluntary Service Scheme. Odhiambo said the student went to Parliament to learn but was met with remarks she described as inappropriate and degrading.

She further cited constitutional protections for children, including Article 53(1)(d), which guarantees protection from abuse and inhuman treatment, and Article 53(2), which requires that the best interests of the child be given paramount consideration in all matters concerning children. She also referenced Section 22(1) of the Children Act, 2022, which prohibits psychological abuse of children, including conduct likely to cause humiliation or embarrassment.

Odhiambo maintained that Parliament must remain a safe environment for children and young learners visiting the institution, saying the Senate should go beyond accepting an apology and adopt more concrete accountability measures.

The controversy stems from remarks made during the March 25 sitting when the student was in the gallery under the School Voluntary Service Scheme.

Speaker Amason Kingi later ruled that the remarks were inappropriate, saying they brought embarrassment to the Senate, the student, the student’s family and the public.

The Speaker directed Senator Nyamu to issue an unreserved apology before proceeding with further business in the House. Deputy Speaker Veronica Maina later called on her to formally apologise before the Senate.

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

She apologised to the Senate, the student, the student’s family and the public, and reaffirmed her commitment to uphold the values and integrity of the House.