Karen Nyamu Sparks Reactions After Video Appears to Show Her Sucking Thumb in Parliament

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has once again sparked online conversation after a video appearing to show her sucking her thumb during parliamentary proceedings surfaced on social media.

In the footage circulating online, Nyamu is seen seated in the chamber and scrolling through her phone before appearing to put her thumb in her mouth.

The unusual moment quickly caught the attention of Kenyans, with social media users questioning what may have prompted the senator to behave that way while Parliament was in session.

The video has since attracted mixed reactions, with some users finding the moment amusing while others criticised Nyamu, arguing that parliamentary proceedings require a certain level of decorum.

Nyamu’s latest viral moment

Nyamu, a nominated senator representing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), is no stranger to public attention and viral moments.

Her outspoken personality and frequent involvement in political and social debates have made her one of the more recognisable figures in Kenya’s political landscape.

The latest footage, however, has shifted the conversation away from policy and politics to the unusual behaviour captured on camera.

It remains unclear when the video was recorded or what prompted Nyamu to put her thumb in her mouth. Neither the senator nor Parliament had publicly explained the incident at the time of publication.

A familiar face in viral conversations

The latest footage also revived memories of an earlier incident involving Nyamu in Parliament.

In October 2024, another video appearing to show the senator sucking her thumb during impeachment proceedings circulated widely online.

Nyamu later addressed the incident, saying the proceedings had not been an easy experience for her.

The latest clip appears to be separate footage, but its similarity to the earlier incident has prompted renewed discussion about Nyamu’s conduct during parliamentary sessions.

Nyamu recently faced ‘Wantam’ chants

The senator has also recently attracted attention after facing “Wantam” chants while speaking at an endometriosis awareness event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

Responding to the heckling, Nyamu said she was not attending the event to engage in politics and maintained that she would continue pushing for issues affecting women through Parliament.