Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has accused activist Eric Omondi of making money from the causes he champions, amid the fallout surrounding Natalie Githinji’s recent endometriosis awareness event.

Speaking about the backlash she faced after attending the Endometriosis Warriors event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nyamu questioned whether some activists could be benefiting financially from campaigns involving people facing serious health challenges.

“Eric is not crazy. He’s a very sharp guy. He’s making money,” Nyamu said, while arguing that Kenyans living with endometriosis should not be exploited.

Her remarks come days after she was heckled by sections of the crowd while addressing the September 27 event, with some attendees chanting “Wantam.” Nyamu later said she had expected criticism because of Omondi’s involvement in the event and his public criticism of the government.

Omondi, meanwhile, questioned Nyamu’s decision to attend the event, saying organisers had agreed that politicians would not participate because they wanted the gathering to remain focused on endometriosis awareness and Natalie Githinji’s advocacy. He said Nyamu had previously contacted him about supporting Githinji and subsequently sent her KSh100,000.

Nyamu has maintained that her interest in the issue is focused on policy and improving access to early diagnosis and treatment for women living with endometriosis. She has said she intends to continue pursuing the matter through Parliament.

The latest exchange has shifted attention from the endometriosis campaign to the disagreement between Nyamu and Omondi, with both sides offering different accounts of the events surrounding the KICC gathering.