Speaker Kingi Dresses Down Karen Nyamu Over Her Dressing

Nairobi, Kenya – Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on Wednesday reprimanded nominated senator Karen Nyamu over what he termed as “improper dressing” in the chamber, issuing her with a stern warning not to repeat the conduct.

The incident unfolded during the Senate’s afternoon sitting on September 24, 2025, after Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua raised concern about Nyamu’s attire. She had entered the chamber with her jacket worn only on one side, leaving the other side hanging loose.

“Mr Speaker, have you seen Senator Karen Nyamu and the way she is dressed today, walking into the House with one side of the jacket worn and the rest hanging? You must enforce rules in this House. If you fail to act, you will set a dangerous precedent,” Wambua argued.

In his ruling, Speaker Kingi declared the senator out of order, saying her appearance violated the Senate’s dress code. He cautioned that any repeat of the conduct would attract harsher consequences.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi during the Thursday October 17, 2024 session.

“You are out of order for violating the Speaker’s rules. Karen Nyamu, I will give you a warning for today. If you repeat the same thing, you will have to leave the chamber,” Kingi ruled.

The confrontation came just a day after the Senate resumed its sittings following a prolonged recess.

Lawmakers had initially been scheduled to reconvene on September 15 after their August break but extended their recess by an additional week. Senators had earlier been recalled briefly to handle the impeachment proceedings against Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, which lasted three days before they returned to their break.

Parliamentary standing orders require lawmakers to observe a strict dress code in line with the dignity of the Houses, a standard Speaker Kingi emphasized must be upheld without compromise.