A recent incident involving nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has sparked wide discussion online, with many Kenyans sharing different views about her actions while travelling abroad. The moment was captured in a short video that quickly spread across social media platforms and drew strong reactions from the public.
In the video, Karen Nyamu is seen inside a shop in a foreign country where staff asked her to remove her cap, following the store’s rules. She declined and responded by saying, “I’m a VIP in my country.” She insisted that she did not need to follow the shop’s headwear policy, explaining that she is an important person back home in Kenya. The exchange appeared calm but firm, with Nyamu standing her ground as the staff member tried to explain the rule.
The video did not sit well with many viewers. A large number of social media users criticised the senator, saying her words showed a lack of respect for the laws and customs of the country she was visiting. They argued that holding a leadership position in Kenya does not give someone the right to ignore rules in another country. Some people pointed out that travelling comes with the responsibility of respecting local cultures, rules, and institutions, regardless of one’s status.
Several comments online stressed that leadership should come with humility. Many felt that public figures should set a good example, especially when representing their country abroad. For these critics, the issue was not about the cap but about attitude and respect.
Some of the comments from a section of Kenyans.
At the same time, Nyamu also received support from a section of the public. Her defenders said she was being unfairly judged based on a short clip that did not show the full context. They described her response as confident and said she was standing up for herself.
Others praised her for expressing pride in her identity as a Kenyan leader and encouraged her not to be shaken by online criticism.
This incident has also reminded the public of Nyamu’s past moments in the spotlight, where her dress sense or conduct sparked debate. Over time, she has become known for stirring conversations that divide opinion.
Once again, her actions have raised questions about leadership, respect, and how public figures should behave when they are outside their home country.