Karen Nyamu speaks out on Gender Based Violence allegations
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has addressed the recent allegations claiming she was a victim of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The controversy arose after a photo of Karen looking sad with a swollen right eye which went viral, leading many of her online followers to interpret it as a black eye.
In response to the rumors, Karen through a Live session on her Facebook page, expressed her indifference to what people say about her private life.
She admitted that when there is no discussion about her, she sometimes feels concerned.
However, the mother of three pointed out that a particular incident had caught her attention.
“On Friday, we took some photos, and in one of them, my eye is partially covered. Some people especially women are making fun of it, using it to settle scores or as ammunition against their enemies,” she explained.
She emphasized that GBV is a serious issue affecting 40% of Kenyan women and should not be trivialized.
She disclosed that she has been a victim of GBV in the past and would never hide such experiences, as she values honesty.
Karen expressed her concern about the way some individuals treat the topic, questioning how they would react if she were truly a victim.
She also questioned the bitterness exhibited by certain women.
However, she asserted that she was not there to defend herself because she had not been beaten by anyone.
“I am here to raise awareness about GBV and to emphasize that it is not something to joke about. If I ever experience such violence, I will come forward, speak out loudly, and seek justice. But for now, I have not faced any physical abuse since the last time I talked about it,” Karen stated firmly.
She further emphasized that GBV infringes on one’s fundamental human rights and clarified that she had not been assaulted by her baby daddy, Samidoh.
“I have raised the issue with the person who is thought to have beaten me and he told me to ignore that but, I would never sip under the carpet. Is that how people would treat me if indeed I was a victim? Why are some women so bitter even with such things. I am not here to defend myself. I have not been beaten by anyone.”
Karen concluded her statement by reiterating her determination to defend herself against false allegations.
“Askari has not beaten me and there is no black eye,” she said.
Karen is in a clandestine relationship with controversial singer Samuel Muchoki, who is popularly referred to in entertainment circles as Samidoh. She once claimed in a live social media video that he had assaulted her and damaged her phone, and vowed to report the matter to police.
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