Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu faced a hostile reception at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Sunday after sections of the crowd broke into “Wantam” chants as she addressed attendees.
Nyamu was speaking at Natalie Githinji’s Endometriosis Warriors event, which brought together thousands of people for a day of entertainment, awareness, and advocacy for women living with endometriosis.
Videos from the event showed the senator attempting to address the packed auditorium when members of the crowd began chanting “Wantam,” a political slogan associated with calls for President William Ruto to serve only one term.
Despite the interruptions, Nyamu continued with her remarks, focusing on efforts to push the issue of endometriosis through Parliament. She said she had given notice on September 10 to move a motion on the condition, which she said affects millions of women.
The incident later prompted Nyamu to explain her reaction to the heckling, saying she had anticipated that she could face criticism at the event. According to Nyamu, she was aware of Eric Omondi’s involvement in the event and his public criticism of the government.
“I was kind of expecting it because hii event ni ya Eric Omondi, and I’ve seen Eric Omondi has been in the forefront kufight government,” she said.
Nyamu said she nevertheless chose to attend the event despite knowing that she could be heckled. She also played down the chants, saying she had become accustomed to similar criticism on social media.
The Sunday event attracted thousands of attendees, with musicians including Nadia Mukami, Bensoul, Lil Maina, Arrow Bwoy, Guardian Angel, Bahati, and Fena Gitu performing during the program.
Githinji, who has publicly shared her own experience living with endometriosis, used the event to raise awareness about the condition and bring together women affected by it, their supporters, and members of the public.
