Nominated senator Karen Nyamu has recently addressed the public’s response to a viral photograph of her with a swollen right eye, which garnered widespread attention and diverse reactions from her fans.
The controversy surrounding the image emerged after it was captured during a Scout and Girl Guide event in Nyeri. Some individuals speculated that the apparent injury was the result of gender-based assault.
A concerned fan shared the photo on Edday Nderitu’s Facebook page, Samidoh’s wife, claiming that Nyamu had been assaulted. The fan further alleged that despite Nyamu gifting the Mugithi singer an alcoholic beverage worth over KSh 420,000, he still “assaulted” her.
In response, Edday Nderitu commented, “hizo huwa kama prescription,” implying that the incident was merely a prescribed consequence.
Karen Nyamu, in turn, called out those who make jokes about gender-based violence and spread unfounded rumors.
“It is disheartening to witness individuals, especially those who harbor animosity towards me, trivialize gender-based violence. They seem to believe that it can be utilized to settle personal scores or inflicted upon one’s enemies, and astonishingly, some of these individuals are women. It is unfathomable that we can remain so ignorant in this day and age. Gender-based violence is an issue of utmost seriousness,” Nyamu expressed her concerns.
She went on to acknowledge that although she had experienced gender-based abuse in the past, the current situation did not reflect such mistreatment.
“I, personally, have been a victim in the past, and I refuse to remain silent or conceal such incidents. I have discussed the matter with the individual who is assumed to be responsible for the alleged assault, and he has vehemently denied these rumors, urging me to dismiss them,” Nyamu clarified.
In August 2021, while pregnant, Karen Nyamu accused Samidoh of physically assaulting her.
“Someone informed him that I was spotted in Mombasa with a man, as if all my colleagues are exclusively female. Hence, I felt compelled to report this incident and emphasize that it should serve as a lesson to all men who believe they can engage in violence against women without facing consequences,” Karen Nyamu conveyed her message.
