Kenyan nominated Senator Karen Njeri Nyamu has sparked online reactions after she was filmed sucking her thumb during a Senate sitting.
A video circulating online shows Nyamu seated in the chamber during proceedings on October 6, 2026, scrolling through her phone before briefly putting her thumb in her mouth.
The footage, which gained attention online on October 7, attracted a mix of mockery, criticism and defence from social media users.
Some questioned the senator’s conduct while Parliament was in session, with others describing the moment as childish.
Others defended Nyamu, arguing that thumb-sucking can sometimes be an unconscious habit associated with stress, tiredness or the need for comfort.
The incident has also revived attention around Nyamu’s previous appearance in a similar situation.
In October 2024, the senator was filmed sucking her thumb during another Senate sitting. She responded to the online criticism at the time with a lighthearted comment, saying she was “still children.”
The latest video has once again drawn attention to the conduct of lawmakers during parliamentary proceedings, particularly as moments inside the chamber can quickly spread on social media.
Nyamu has not, as of October 8, 2026, issued a widely reported public response specifically addressing the latest footage.
The senator has previously attracted public attention over her conduct and statements both inside and outside Parliament, making her one of Kenya’s more closely watched political figures online.
