In a post on her social media platforms, Karua joined growing calls demanding accountability over the Senator’s comments, which sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans and women leaders.
Karua defended the student, identified as Gabriella, saying Parliament should be a place where young people are inspired to pursue leadership and public service, not humiliated.
“What happened to Gabriella in the Senate is reprehensible and unacceptable,” Karua stated.
“She came to Parliament to witness democracy in action and perhaps to imagine herself in leadership one day. Instead, she was humiliated by a leader entrusted to protect the dignity of citizens, especially the young ones.”
Karua further said the incident fell short of the values women leaders have fought for over the years.
“As a mother, a former parliamentarian, and a woman who has spent decades fighting for the dignity and inclusion of women and girls in public life, I know this is not the leadership we envisioned or struggled for,” she added.
The PLP leader encouraged the student not to be discouraged by the experience, assuring her that women can serve in leadership with dignity and integrity.
“Gabriella, do not let this moment diminish your voice or your dreams. Women can serve with dignity and purpose and there’s a number of us who would love to share a cup of chai with you and show you how.”
She also reminded leaders that public office demands decorum and respect for citizens.
Karua’s remarks came days after former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo criticized Nyamu’s apology as insincere and called for stricter disciplinary action by the Senate.
Odhiambo argued that the remarks directed at the student amounted to harassment and psychological abuse, insisting that Parliament must remain a safe space for children and young learners.
“A young female student who went to Parliament under the School Voluntary Service Scheme to learn was met with inappropriate and degrading remarks from Senator Karen Nyamu,” Odhiambo stated.
“The Senate must be a safe space that affirms the dignity and future of our children.”
The controversy stems from comments made by Nyamu during a Senate session on March 25, when she welcomed the student to Parliament but made remarks suggesting ambiguity over the nature of her service at the Senate.
“Mr Speaker, probably you should have made it clear which service to the Senate she’s offering, because I saw Senator Cherargei getting very excited when he saw a lady,” Nyamu said during the session.
The remarks triggered immediate backlash online, with many Kenyans accusing the senator of humiliating the student and trivializing the volunteer programme.
This week, the Senate compelled Nyamu to issue what Speaker panel member Veronica Maina described as an “unreserved apology” to the student, her family, the Senate, and the public.
However, the apology itself attracted criticism after Nyamu indicated she had been instructed on what to say and attempted to defend herself moments later.
“Madam Speaker, this apology has been written for me to read, and parts of it constitute an admission to what I have been accused of, which cannot be further from the truth,” Nyamu said before reading the statement.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi had earlier termed the remarks “disrespectful” and “inappropriate,” saying they fell below the standards expected of members of the House.
Despite eventually apologizing, Nyamu again attempted to explain her remarks before being stopped by Maina, who directed her to “leave it at that.”
