Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo has called on the Senate to take stronger disciplinary action against nominated senator Karen Nyamu despite her public apology over controversial remarks directed at a female student during a Senate session.
Odhiambo argued that Nyamu’s apology was insufficient, saying the issue involved the dignity and protection of a child and should not end with what she described as a “theatrical apology.”
Her statement came days after Nyamu apologised before the Senate following directions issued by Speaker Amason Kingi.
“What happened in the Senate Chamber on March 25, 2026 was not just an embarrassment but a gross violation of the dignity of a child,” Odhiambo said.
She noted that the female student had attended Parliament under the School Voluntary Service Scheme to learn about legislative proceedings but instead became the subject of inappropriate remarks.
Odhiambo stressed that Parliament should remain a safe and respectful environment for children and students visiting national institutions.
“The Senate must be a SAFE space that affirms the dignity and future of our children,” she stated.
The former LSK president cited Article 53 of the Constitution, which protects children from abuse and degrading treatment, alongside provisions in the Children Act, 2022 prohibiting psychological abuse and humiliation of minors.
She urged senators to move beyond accepting the apology and instead pursue meaningful accountability measures.
“An apology that is read and accepted in minutes is not justice,” Odhiambo said.
The controversy stems from comments made by Nyamu during a Senate sitting on March 25 while welcoming a female student attending proceedings through the School Voluntary Service Scheme.
During the session, Nyamu remarked that senators should first clarify the “service” the student would offer, comments that triggered criticism online and among child rights advocates.
The remarks prompted intervention from Speaker Kingi, who later ruled that the statements were inappropriate and below the standards expected of members of the Senate.
“The utterances made brought embarrassment to the Senate, the student, the student’s family and the public,” Kingi stated in a communication to the House.
He directed Nyamu to issue an unconditional apology before participating in further Senate business.
Following the directive, Deputy Speaker Veronica Maina invited Nyamu to formally apologise before the House.
In her statement, Nyamu admitted the remarks were inappropriate and inconsistent with the dignity expected of a state officer.
“I hereby tender my unreserved apology to the Senate, the student under the School Voluntary Service Scheme, the family of the student and the public,” Nyamu said.
She also pledged to uphold respect and professionalism when engaging with young people visiting Parliament.
Despite the apology, Odhiambo insists the Senate should take additional measures to demonstrate its commitment to protecting children and maintaining dignity within public institutions.
