Women's rights groups rebuke Karen Nyamu over remarks involving minor

UDA nominated Senator Karen Nyamu. [Courtesy]

Women’s rights and governance organisations have condemned remarks made by nominated Senator Karen Nyamu on the floor of the Senate involving a minor who was present during a plenary session on Thursday.

Among those who have issued statements of concern are the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) and the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC).

FIDA-Kenya said it was troubled not only by the remarks but also by the continued circulation of content involving the underage girl on social media.

The lobby group said it “strongly condemns the growing acceptance of language and behaviour that humiliates or belittles girls in public,” warning that such conduct risks undermining the dignity and emotional well-being of children. It added that it also sends a harmful message that public leadership spaces are unsafe for girls and young women.

FIDA described the remarks as inappropriate and demeaning, arguing that they fall short of the constitutional duty of leaders to uphold dignity, integrity, respect, and the protection of children. “Parliament and all public institutions should be safe spaces where everyone, especially children and young girls, can learn, engage, and participate in leadership,” the group said.

The organisation also expressed concern over the growing exposure of minors on social media, in interviews, and through online commentary, saying it violates children’s privacy, dignity, and emotional well-being.

It warned against the use of children in “sensationalism, ridicule, or public entertainment,” and called for stricter enforcement of child protection safeguards in Parliament and other public institutions.

The women’s rights group further urged leaders to be held accountable for actions that undermine child protection and called for training on child safeguarding, gender sensitivity, and ethical leadership. It also urged media organisations and digital platforms to adhere to trauma-informed reporting standards when covering matters involving minors.

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) also expressed concern over the remarks made during Senate proceedings, condemning any conduct that undermines the dignity, safety, and psychological well-being of children in public institutions.

The commission said children are entitled to dignity, protection, and respect under Article 53 of the Constitution, the Children Act (2022), and international human rights instruments ratified by Kenya.

It added that constitutional bodies such as Parliament have a heightened duty to uphold these protections and demonstrate leadership grounded in integrity, professionalism, equality, and non-discrimination.

NGEC said the remarks had generated public concern and reignited debate on child safeguarding, ethical leadership, and accountability in public office.

“Language used by leaders carries institutional authority and influence,” the commission said, warning that remarks that expose children to humiliation, ridicule, or psychological harm are inconsistent with Article 10 of the Constitution on national values and principles of governance.

While noting an apology issued by Nyamu in the Senate, NGEC said safeguarding children requires more than procedural compliance and called for stronger accountability mechanisms and institutional reforms to promote respectful engagement with young people.

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua also condemned the incident, describing it as “reprehensible and unacceptable.”

“She came to Parliament to witness democracy in action and perhaps to imagine herself in leadership one day. Instead, she was humiliated by a leader entrusted to protect the dignity of citizens, especially the young ones,” Karua wrote on X.

Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo said the incident amounted to a “gross violation” of a child’s dignity. She also criticised the Senate for accepting Nyamu’s apology, arguing that it appeared to justify the remarks.

“The Senate must be a safe space that affirms the dignity and future of our children,” she said, citing constitutional protections for children and the requirement that their best interests be paramount.

LSK president Charles Kanjama had not issued a statement at the time of publication.

However, Vice President Wavinya Nicholas condemned the remarks, describing them as “reprehensible” and urging public officials to demonstrate responsibility in their language. “More is expected when one is not only a senator, but also an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya,” she said.

Nyamu was nominated to the Senate by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), whose leadership includes President William Ruto. Other senior party officials have yet to publicly comment on the matter, and UDA has yet to announce any disciplinary action.