Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo has urged the Senate to take stronger action against nominated Senator Karen Nyamu over remarks she made about a Grade 10 student during a Senate session, saying the comments were inappropriate, degrading, and harmful to the young girl.
The controversy began after Senator Nyamu made remarks about a student from Braeburn Garden Estate International School in Nairobi who was at Parliament under the School Voluntary Service Scheme.
The student was attending a one-week voluntary service programme in the Senate to gain learning experience.
During the Senate afternoon session on March 25, Nyamu made comments questioning the kind of service the student would be offering in Parliament.
Her remarks quickly drew criticism from many Kenyans, who said they were disrespectful and unsuitable, especially because they were directed at a young student.
Former LSK President Faith Odhiambo strongly condemned the incident and described it as an embarrassment.
In a statement shared on her X platform, she said, “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.
The Senate must be a safe space that affirms the dignity and future of our children.
”Odhiambo said the senator’s words amounted to harassment and exposed the student to psychological abuse.
She also criticized Nyamu’s apology, saying it did not reflect genuine remorse and appeared forced.
According to Odhiambo, simply reading an apology in the Senate and having it accepted within minutes was not enough.
She argued that the institution must show seriousness in protecting children and ensuring accountability for leaders who misuse their positions.
“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,” Odhiambo stated.
Nyamu was directed by the Speaker’s panel to issue an unreserved apology to the student, her family, the Senate, and the public.
Veronica Maina, a member of the Speaker’s panel, insisted that the apology had to meet the standards earlier set by the chair.
Although Nyamu eventually apologized, she first complained that the statement had been written for her and claimed parts of it included admissions she did not agree with.
Even after delivering the apology, she tried to defend herself, saying she had been misunderstood.
Her response led to another intervention from the chair, with Maina asking her to stop and take her seat, bringing the tense moment in the Senate to a close.
