Karen Nyamu has been a trending meme for the longest time. The mother of 2 and a nominated Senator has been all over the internet serving doses of drama since she emerged in the political world a few years ago.
She has a reputation of being fearless and vocal which has boosted her career as a lawyer, politician, and socialite.
Who is she, why is she trending and just how did she end up in the Senate?
Early Life and Education
Karen alias Karenzo was born and raised in Eastlands. Her father was a civil engineer, and her mother taught early childhood education (ECD).
Her parents had a strong emphasis on education. She began her primary education at Riverbank School in Ngara before joining Kamathutha Boarding Primary in Embu. She attended Limuru Girls for her secondary education.
Nyamu pursued a law degree at the University of Nairobi and later at Kenya School of Law for a Diploma in Law. She has a Master’s in International Relations.
Personal Life
Politician and lawyer Karen Nyamu says she dated a violent politician when she was in her early twenties. She says the experience left her traumatized and changed her mind about marriage.
According to her, the politician was a married man and she was employed in his company. The strings made it difficult for her to just wake up and cut ties.
Karen in an interview with Massawe Jappani, said insecurities and obsessiveness, led to the violence she experienced. Since she was naive and young, the powerful man took advantage of the situation.
“I was very young and the guy was famous. I felt very intimidated that even if I report, nothing would be done to him, and so I did not report. I thank God I left the relationship.”
Karen dated Mugithi star Samidoh and the two welcomed a son called Sam Junior and a daughter Taraya Wairimu. She’s a proud mother of three, her first daughter, Teana, she shares with DJ Saint Kevin.
The drama between Samido’s wife, Eddah Nderitu, and Karen is what made her an internet sensation following her carefree attitude.
Career and Political Life
Karen Nyamu based her law career on civil litigation and corporate law. Her firm Njeri Nyamu & Co Advocates in Nairobi, established her as a notable figure in the city giving her connections to power and eventually ushering her into the political world.
In 2013, she ran for Member of the County Assembly (MCA) in Nairobi County under the TNA (The National Alliance) ticket. She won and was made chair of the Nairobi County Assembly’s Committee on Education and Social Services.
Karen vied for Nairobi woman representative in 2017 but withdrew her bid to support Millicent Omanga as a show of solidarity for the UDA party. They both lost to Esther Passaris but remained active frequently engaging citizens on social media on major issues. This helped her maintain vibrance in the political scene.
The nominated Senator is one of the leaders who faced the wrath of Kenyans in the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
She made over the Eco Levy on the Finance Bill that did not sit well with Kenyans. Many social media users unfollowed her, costing her more than 10,000 followers on Instagram.
On Instagram, one user asked her why she supported the Finance Bill yet it proposed to tax locally manufactured sanitary towels. In her response she explained that it was not the case and that locally manufactured sanitary towels were not going to attract the Eco Levy,” she said.
Asked which local sanitary towel she uses, she responded that she uses tampons and she was nicknamed “dem wa tampons.”
Nyamu said that her response was taken out of context by a section of Kenyans online. Nyamu said her belief in President Ruto persuaded her strong stance on the Finance Bill 2024.
Living Life on Her Terms
Her moments are always making headlines and she has learnt to embrace her chaotic public life. From social media theatrics to heated moments in Senate and night clubs, she’s not afraid to live life according to her beat. With her, you never know, it’s always a scene wherever she is and she likes it that way.
