Nominated senator Karen Nyamu stirred significant conversation during a joint workshop with students from the Technical University of Kenya and the University of Nairobi. The session, which focused on gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), tech-enabled GBV, and the troubling rise in femicide across Kenya, took an unexpected turn when Nyamu shared personal views about relationships and intimacy.
While addressing young men, Nyamu took a direct approach, urging them to treat women with gentleness and respect. Infusing humor into a serious topic, she suggested that any desire for roughness should be reserved for consensual activities in the bedroom—not in everyday relationships. Her exact phrasing ignited laughter among students and later, online, where the clip of her remarks quickly went viral.
“You as a man who feels you need to be rough, let me tell you where you should be rough. It’s even better if you become a bedroom bully and get rough in bedroom affairs. The only roughness we enjoy as women is in bed,” she said. She further condemned any form of physical violence, declaring that a man who hits a woman is “down, very low.”
The senator didn’t stop there. She encouraged emotional intelligence and creativity, even citing technology as a tool to help men improve their romantic communication. “If you don’t have sweet words, go to ChatGPT for ideas. Try again. If she doesn’t fall for you the first time, she might after you polish your language,” she said. This cheeky endorsement of AI as a flirting aid added a modern twist to her message, leaving the audience amused.
Nyamu emphasized persistence over pressure, urging the young men to handle rejection with maturity and avoid violent reactions during or after breakups. Her core message was clear: the way to a woman’s heart lies in respect, patience, and good communication—not control or aggression.
Her remarks drew a variety of reactions from the public. Many appreciated her bold and unfiltered delivery, calling it both entertaining and relatable. Social media lit up with comments ranging from praise to playful criticism. Some users jokingly gave her honorary titles like “Minister of Enjoyment” or “CS of Love and Private Affairs.” Others debated her portrayal of female preferences, with one commenter firmly stating that roughness in the bedroom isn’t universally enjoyed.
In addition to the workshop buzz, Nyamu’s past relationship with popular Mugithi artist Samidoh resurfaced in public conversation. She previously revealed that their relationship ended due to unmet expectations, even hinting at dowry-related issues. She noted that she had “fired” him and was considering marriage to someone else.
Despite the mix of praise and critique, Nyamu’s presentation succeeded in reigniting discussions on GBV while also engaging the youth in a way few politicians do—through candid humor and personal storytelling. Whether people agreed or disagreed with her style, the message remained powerful: violence has no place in love, and men must rise above outdated, harmful behaviors.
