The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has expressed alarm over recent public statements involving minors, particularly those concerning a Grade 10 learner engaged in voluntary service at the senate.
“FIDA-Kenya firmly denounces the increasing normalization of language and conduct that degrades or diminishes girls in public. These remarks not only damage the dignity and emotional welfare of the child affected, but also propagate a detrimental message to young girls nationwide that public leadership environments are hostile and disrespectful toward women and girls,” stated FIDA chairperson Christine Kungu in a declaration.
Kungu indicated that the remarks made in Parliament were inappropriate and degrading, and failed to fulfill leaders’ constitutional obligation to safeguard dignity, integrity, respect, and children’s rights. She emphasized that Parliament and other public institutions should continue to be safe environments for all individuals, particularly children and young girls, to learn, engage in, and participate in leadership activities.
FIDA Kenya demanded that leaders be held responsible when their actions compromise child protection. They requested rigorous implementation of child safeguarding protocols in Parliament and other public institutions, an immediate cessation to sharing content that identifies minors, and improved training for public officials and political leaders on child protection, gender sensitivity, ethical leadership, and sexual harassment prevention.
“Children should never be utilized for sensationalism, mockery, or public entertainment.”
This follows a comment made by Karen Nyamu during a Senate session on Wednesday, March 25, where she recognized the student’s presence in Parliament but made statements that questioned her service at the Senate.
“Mr Speaker, perhaps you should have clarified which service to the Senate she’s providing, because I saw Senator Cherargei becoming very excited when he saw a lady,” Nyamu remarked during the session.
Her comment provoked public criticism, with Kenyans online accusing the Senator of humiliating the student.
The Senate directed Karen Nyamu to offer what Speaker’s panel member Veronica Maina termed an “unreserved apology” to the student, her family, the Senate, and the public. Nevertheless, the apology later generated renewed criticism after Nyamu suggested she had been instructed on the wording before proceeding to defend her initial remarks.
“Madam Speaker, this apology has been prepared for me to read, and portions of it constitute an admission to what I have been accused of, which cannot be further from the truth,” Nyamu stated before reading her statement.
Although she subsequently apologized, Nyamu once more attempted to rationalize her comments before Maina interrupted and instructed her to “leave it at that.”