Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu continues to face public scrutiny over her recent remarks. She sparked controversy when she lamented losing 10,000 Instagram followers during protests against the Reject Finance Bill, drawing widespread criticism on social media. Many accused her of being out of touch for prioritizing her social media metrics over the more significant issues faced by citizens, such as job losses and economic hardships.
In response to the backlash, Nyamu defended herself, claiming her comments were meant as a joke and were taken out of context. She argued that her entire 18-minute speech was overshadowed by a fleeting mention of her Instagram followers, which she felt was unfairly blown out of proportion.
The controversy intensified as Instagram users flooded her comments section with criticism. One user, Gitonga_Murith, expressed outrage, stating, “People lost their lives, and you’re worried about losing followers. Shame on you, Karen.” Nyamu’s response, “Hehehe, but I lost 10k followers,” further fueled public anger, with many questioning her dismissive attitude towards serious concerns.
In defense, Nyamu maintained that people misinterpreted her intentions and emphasized her right to humor. However, the backlash persisted, with individuals like Nairobi photographer Shem Obara publicly distancing themselves from her.
The incident underscores ongoing public sensitivity towards politicians’ conduct and their perceived priorities during times of national crisis.