Nominated senator Karen Nyamu has spoken out after photos of her appearing engrossed in her phone during the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga went viral, sparking a wave of online debate.
Viral Moment Sparks Online Speculation
The emotional ceremony, held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Siaya County, brought together national leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of Kenyans to pay their last respects to the veteran opposition leader. However, Nyamu became the focus of social media discussions after she was photographed looking intently at her phone during the speeches.
Speculation quickly spread that the senator was editing photos on Snapchat during the solemn event, prompting mixed reactions. While some accused her of being inattentive and disrespectful, others defended her, insisting she had every right to use her phone.
Nyamu Clarifies: “I Was Watching Videos of My Babies”
Addressing the controversy, Nyamu took to social media to clarify what had actually happened. Sharing a video of her children, she explained that she had simply been watching clips of them at zero volume during the speeches — not editing photos as alleged.
“So apparently that’s the video. I was just watching my babies’ videos on Snapchat during the speeches, at zero volume. Mama things,” she captioned the post.
“I Wasn’t Fully Present” — Senator Admits
In a follow-up post, Nyamu admitted that her attention had momentarily drifted during the long ceremony. “I would be lying if I said that I was fully present at the ceremony. At one point, I caught myself wandering, asking, ati tunafanya nini hapa?” she wrote, accompanied by a short clip.
Her candid admission drew a fresh round of reactions online. Many Kenyans praised her honesty, while others found humor in how quickly the photo circulated. “Kwani what’s wrong with that? That’s for memories. Let’s stop being petty,” one user commented. Another added, “Simu ni yake, she can do whatever she wants.”
Netizens React and Defend Nyamu
Several commenters also turned the spotlight on the person who took the viral photo. “Whoever took the picture was also not listening, which is no different from what she was doing,” a netizen pointed out, earning hundreds of likes.
Nyamu’s Emotional Moment at Opoda Farm
Despite the online buzz, Nyamu later joined mourners at Opoda Farm, Raila Odinga’s rural home, where she expressed her grief more publicly. In a spirited moment, she led the crowd in chanting “Tibim” — one of Raila’s most iconic campaign slogans — reigniting memories of the energy and unity that defined his political rallies.
Her performance drew cheers from the crowd, with many attendees praising her for blending solemn remembrance with celebration, saying it was a fitting tribute to a leader who inspired millions.
While the viral photo sparked controversy, Nyamu’s response and participation at the burial underscored both her transparency and emotional connection to the national moment of mourning.
