A section of Kenyans has signed a petition demanding disciplinary action against nominated Senator Karen Nyamu following controversial remarks she made about a student during a Senate sitting.
The petition, titled “Protect Children’s Dignity, Hold Senator Karen Nyamu Accountable,” seeks to compel the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to act against the senator, including possible disciplinary proceedings and a formal censure.
The push for action follows an incident on March 25, when a female Grade 10 student visited the Senate under a school civic programme meant to expose learners to the workings of Parliament.
Karen Nyamu Remarks at Centre of Senate Controversy
During the session, senators acknowledged the presence of the students seated in the public gallery.
While welcoming her, Nyamu made comments that were widely criticised as inappropriate and disrespectful for a minor.
Her remarks, which referenced the “service” the student had come to offer, were interpreted by critics as demeaning and suggestive, sparking discomfort in the House and anger online after clips circulated on social media.
Also Read: Safaricom Ordered to Pay 11 Kenyans Ksh 900,000 Each
The backlash spread, with many Kenyans, activists, and leaders accusing the senator of humiliating a young learner who had visited Parliament for educational purposes.
Following the uproar, Senate leadership declared the remarks inappropriate and directed Nyamu to apologize to the student, her family, and the public.
Nyamu later apologized in the House on May 7, acknowledging that her comments fell short of expected standards.
Kenyans argued it lacked sincerity, with some noting that the senator appeared to distance herself from parts of it even as she read it.
Civil society groups, including FIDA-Kenya, insisted that the matter went beyond an apology, saying it involved the dignity and protection of a child within a national institution.
Petition Cites Rights Violations
In response to the incident, Amnesty International Kenya has since launched a petition, arguing that Senator Karen Nyamu’s conduct fell short of the standards expected of public officials, particularly with respect to the protection and dignity of children.
The human rights watchdog states that the Constitution guarantees every person the right to dignity and specifically protects children from abuse and degrading treatment, and that the remarks made in the Senate did not meet these standards.
In addition, Amnesty raises concern about leadership and accountability in public office, noting that state officers are required to act in ways that promote trust, respect, and integrity in national institutions such as Parliament.
Also Read: Govt Warns Kenyans Against Applying for Jobs Through M-Ajira Recruitment Agency
According to the petition, what happened risks sending the wrong message to young people about whether public institutions are safe and respectful spaces for learning and participation.
The petition cites international obligations that require governments and public institutions to create environments in which children are treated with respect and free from humiliation or intimidation.
It argues that civic and educational programmes, such as the Senate visit, should be spaces where students feel encouraged, not embarrassed.
The petition is now calling on UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar to step in, saying the party has a duty to ensure its members uphold both constitutional values and its own commitments.
Among the demands listed, Amnesty International Kenya wants UDA to initiate disciplinary proceedings to investigate the behavior of Senator Karen Nyamu and determine whether she should remain nominated, based on possible violations of leadership rules under Chapter Six and the Children Act (2022).
At the same time, Amnesty wants the party to issue a clear public statement condemning the remarks and strengthen its rules to better protect children from similar incidents in the future.
