Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo has condemned remarks made by nominated Senator Karen Nyamu against a young female student during proceedings in the Senate.
In a statement on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Odhiambo said the events that unfolded in the Senate Chamber on March 25, 2026, were “not just an embarrassment but a gross violation of the dignity of a child.
According to Odhiambo, the student had visited Parliament under the School Voluntary Service Scheme to learn about legislative processes when she was subjected to inappropriate and degrading remarks by the senator.
“What happened in the Senate Chamber on 25th March 2026 was not just an embarrassment but a gross violation of the dignity of a child. 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 said.
She cited Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution, which guarantees every child 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 further referenced Section 22(1) of the Children Act, 2022, which prohibits psychological abuse against children, including acts that cause embarrassment and humiliation.
“The Senate must be a SAFE space that affirms the dignity and future of our Children. Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution guarantees every child the right to be protected from abuse and inhuman treatment,” Odhiambo noted.
“Article 53(2) makes the child’s best interests paramount in every matter with no exceptions. Additionally, Section 22(1) of the Children Act 2022 prohibits any person from subjecting a child to psychological abuse, which includes acts causing embarrassment and humiliation.”
The former LSK president faulted the Senate for what she termed a superficial handling of the matter, arguing that accepting an apology without further action would not amount to justice.
She stated that if Kenyans are serious about protecting the girl child, then our institutions must reflect that seriousness.
“I call upon the Senate to go beyond accepting the theatrical apology and take concrete accountability measures. Senator Karen Nyamu still sought to justify her conduct even while purporting to apologise. An apology that is read and accepted in minutes is NOT justice,” Odhiambo said.
Karen Nyamu has apologised on the floor of the Senate for inappropriate remarks made to a student visiting the Senate, extending an unreserved apology to the Senate, the student, the family, and the public.
