- Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has urged single mothers to support her 2027 Nairobi Woman Representative bid.
- Speaking at an empowerment event in Kasarani, she defended her family status against critics.
- A video of her remarks has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
- Nyamu, a lawyer and UDA senator since 2022, previously contested the same seat in 2017.
- The 2027 race is expected to attract strong contenders, including current Woman Rep Esther Passaris.
Karen Nyamu has officially begun shaping her political message ahead of the 2027 elections, with a strong appeal to single mothers in Nairobi.
While addressing residents at an empowerment event in Kasarani, the nominated senator challenged those who question her personal life and family status. In an emotional speech delivered in Swahili, she asked why her children should not be considered family simply because she is not married.
She told the crowd that disagreements in relationships should not define a woman’s worth. Her message was direct: single mothers deserve respect, representation and support.
Clips from the event quickly spread on platforms such as X and TikTok, drawing praise and criticism in equal measure.
Supporters applauded her for speaking openly about issues many women face in silence. Some described her remarks as bold and relatable, especially in a city where single parents lead many households.
However, critics accused her of using her personal story to gain sympathy votes. Others questioned whether her public profile and past political positions make her the right choice for the seat.
Nyamu, 38, is a trained lawyer and has served as a nominated senator under the United Democratic Alliance since 2022. She is known for her outspoken style and has often made headlines over both political and personal matters.
She is a mother of three and has publicly acknowledged her relationships, including one with musician Samidoh.
This will not be her first attempt at the Nairobi Woman Representative position. She ran for the same seat in 2017 but was unsuccessful. Now, she says she is ready to return stronger, with a clear focus on championing the needs of single mothers.
During the Kasarani gathering, Nyamu did more than deliver a speech. She issued bursaries and distributed white canes to visually impaired residents, signalling her intention to link her message with practical support.
She promised that if elected, she would advocate for policies that address the daily struggles faced by single parents, including financial challenges and social stigma.
Statistics show that over 30 per cent of Kenyan households are headed by single parents, many of whom face economic pressure and limited support systems. Nyamu appears determined to mobilise this group as a strong voting bloc.
The Nairobi Woman Representative race is expected to be highly competitive.
The current office holder, Esther Passaris, may seek re-election. Other names linked to the contest include Millicent Omanga, Crystal Asige, Corazon Kwamboka and Maverick Aoko.
Each potential candidate brings a different strength to the table, from experience in office to business and activism backgrounds.
For Nyamu, the challenge will be turning online attention into structured grassroots support. Political observers note that Nairobi has millions of voters, with women forming a significant share. Winning over single mothers could influence the outcome, but sustained engagement will be key.
Instead of avoiding criticism about her personal life, Nyamu appears to be using it to shape her campaign narrative. She has framed her experience as proof that leadership is not defined by marital status but by commitment and action.
As 2027 approaches, rivals are expected to sharpen their strategies. For now, Nyamu’s message is clear: single mothers deserve a seat at the table, and she wants to be their voice in City Hall.
