Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has come forward to defend her relationship with Mungithi singer Samuel Muchoki, known as Samidoh, citing the permissibility of polygamy under Kenyan law.
In an interview on NTV, Nyamu stated that she believes she has not violated any laws by being in her current situation. She highlighted that Kenyan law recognizes polygamy, providing legal grounds for such relationships.
“Under the law on polygamy that was passed in our Parliament, I have not violated any law in my situation,” she explained.
Kenya’s Parliament indeed passed a bill in March 2014 that allowed men to have multiple wives, amending the country’s marriage legislation and formalizing customary practices related to marrying more than one person.
Notably, the proposed bill initially included a provision giving the first wife the right to approve her husband’s choice of a second wife, but male MPs succeeded in amending the clause.
During the debate on the bill, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed emphasized the acceptance of polygamy within many traditional African communities, stating, “When you marry an African woman, she must know the second one is on the way, and a third wife… this is Africa.”
Polygamy is widely practiced in Kenya and many other African countries, particularly among various traditional communities. It is also permissible among the Muslim community, as Sharia law allows a man to marry up to four wives, provided he has the consent of his first wife.
Nyamu encouraged the youth to be true to themselves, follow their convictions, and do what they believe is right, rather than trying to please others.
Senator Nyamu has been in a relationship with Samidoh, even though the musician is married to Edday Nderitu. Edday clarified in July that she was not in a polygamous marriage and had, in fact, left Samidoh to relocate to the United States with her children, where she currently resides.
This decision followed a series of public confrontations, some nearly turning physical, during Samidoh’s concerts. Edday explained on her Facebook page that her departure was motivated by her desire to protect her children from a toxic environment.
“I have managed to sustain my kids’ needs so far with no help, and I am not regretting any bit. I don’t need any drama; I need peace,” she shared. Edday also expressed that she initially wanted a low-key marriage, but Samidoh’s public involvement with Nyamu turned their relationship into a public affair, causing significant drama.
She concluded by revealing that she left her husband for whomever needed him more, emphasizing her commitment to her children’s well-being.
