On June 9, 2025, Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu ignited a fiery debate across social media after making controversial remarks about men from the Mount Kenya region.
In a widely shared video posted by Kenyans.co.ke on X, Nyamu appeared to mock such men, offering an apology on their behalf for frequently dragging President William Ruto’s name into conversations following breakups. She sarcastically asked, “When I break up with a boyfriend, do you ever hear me mention his name?”
What may have been intended as a joke quickly drew backlash. Many Kenyans viewed the comments as poorly timed and insensitive, especially given the country’s ongoing economic struggles following the divisive 2024 tax protests.
Critics online were quick to slam Nyamu. One user, @PillowsAndDuvet, questioned why she was engaging in personal disputes rather than focusing on policies to help struggling families. Another, @ahmad_salims, criticized her for having a narrow and superficial view, accusing her of reducing national leadership to trivial matters.
To many, Nyamu’s remarks weren’t just a misstep—they symbolized a deeper discontent with leaders seen as disconnected from everyday citizens.
Nyamu’s history of public controversies hasn’t helped her image. The infamous 2022 altercation in Dubai, where she allegedly confronted the wife of Mugithi singer Samidoh, has resurfaced and further fueled questions about her professionalism and behavior as a public official.
Still, not all responses were negative. A few, such as @OndaraOtaro, called for a more thoughtful discussion on whether personal issues—romantic or political—should remain private once they end.
This debate touches on a wider cultural concern around oversharing, but the main public sentiment was clear: citizens want leaders who show maturity and seriousness, not drama.
Ironically, the uproar comes shortly after Nyamu appeared to shift toward privacy. In a recent interview on Kogi’s Corner, the mother of three revealed she was seeing someone new but emphasized their desire to keep the relationship out of the public eye.
“If I don’t have someone, then who does?” she joked, adding, “I have a partner now, but the public doesn’t know him – and that’s exactly how we like it.”
This marks a notable departure from her previous, high-profile relationship with singer Samidoh Muchoki. Their love life was often front-page news—from farm visits in Nyandarua to rumors that she might become his second wife.
The relationship faced numerous hurdles, particularly due to public opposition from Samidoh’s wife, Edday Nderitu, who eventually moved to the U.S. with their children. Although Nyamu said she tried to mend fences with Edday, tensions lingered. By 2024, Samidoh and Edday appeared to have reconciled, sharing photos together from his trip to America.
In April 2025, Nyamu confirmed she and Samidoh had split, bluntly stating in a video with MP Kururia that she had “fired” him.
Her previous relationship with DJ Saint Kevinsky, father of her first child, was also tumultuous. Despite past challenges, they now maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship. Kevinsky has since praised Nyamu’s growth, describing her as an “amazing mother.”
