Debate rages on Karen Nyamu’s ‘suitability for public office’ following Samidoh Dubai drama

Debate on the suitability of Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu to hold public office has flared up in the interwebs following his latest drama with Mugithi star Samidoh and wife Edday Nderitu.

A section of netizens say her conduct is demeaning the office of a Senator.

Drama unfolded at a live concert in Dubai on Friday night where Mugithi star Samidoh was performing to Kenyans living in Dubai. Karen Nyamu walked to a table where Samidoh was unwinding with his wife Edday Nderitu and sat on his lap.

Incensed, Edday rose to “protect” her turf- and man-, triggering a commotion. Karen was yanked away by security. Earlier, she had climbed on stage while Samidoh was performing and was again escorted away by security.

Karen later explained away her behaviour as an outcome of alcohol bingeing: "Weuh. Pombe sio supu. Ati jana nlichoma? Heh…nawacha pombe mimi. Sikunywi tena mimi."

Nominated Senator

Nyamu was nominated by President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). She had previously set her eyes on the Nairobi County senatorial seat [elective] before stepping aside for UDA candidate Bishop Margaret Wanjiru.

Senators have enormous responsibilities that include participating in the law-making [considering, debating and approving Bills concerning counties, as provided in Articles 109 to 113 of the Constitution], determining the allocation of national revenue among counties, exercising oversight over national revenue allocated to county governments, and participating in the oversight of State officers.

“Hello President William Ruto," Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai joins the debate on Nyamu's suitability. "Did you nominate the likes of Karen Nyamu to show the kind of behaviour we are witnessing? Don’t we have better things our MPs and Senators should do? Must they behave this way? I ask that she be recalled.” 

Stephen Mutoro, Secretary General, Consumer Federation of Kenya, quotes the Constitution: “Dear Sen Karen Nyamu: Art. 75(1), CoK infringed: " A State officer shall behave, whether in public and official life, in private life ... in a manner that avoids-- (a) any conflict between personal interests and public or official duties; (c) demeaning office the officer holds.”

Alai says the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission should facilitate the process of removal of Nyamu from office.