Sen. Hassan Omar Hassan,
United Democratic Alliance Secretary-General,
UDA National Executive Committee Members,
Nairobi
I write to express grave concern and demand immediate action following the conduct of Senator Karen Nyamu following her degrading remarks about a minor and Grade 10 student attending a civic education visit under a School Voluntary Service Scheme in the Senate Chamber on 25 March 2026.
Senator Nyamu’s remarks, recorded in the official proceedings, violate Articles 28 (right to dignity) and 53 (rights of the child) of the Constitution of Kenya. Her subsequent defiance and disavowal of an apology further breached the standards of leadership and integrity under Chapter Six. Her conduct also contravenes international obligations, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 5 of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training, which require safe, respectful, and non-discriminatory learning environments.
Senator Nyamu’s actions also violate your own party’s commitments. Under Article 29.5 of the UDA Constitution, all members are required to uphold human dignity, equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination in all engagements. The Party’s Constitution and 2022–2027 Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda commit to protecting the dignity and participation of children, youth, and marginalized groups.
As her nominating party, UDA bears responsibility for ensuring its representatives uphold constitutional values and the Party’s stated principles. I therefore urge the Party under your leadership to take the following actions:
- Invoke disciplinary mechanisms to review Senator Nyamu’s conduct and nomination in light of violations of Chapter Six and the Children Act (2022).
- Issue a formal public censure condemning the remarks as contrary to UDA’s values.
- Strengthen and enforce a binding code of conduct prohibiting the objectification or sexualization of children, with clear consequences for violations.
Leadership must never come at the expense of the dignity and best interests of children. I look forward to your prompt action.
Yours sincerely,