Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu faced an awkward moment at a funeral in Nairobi’s Eastlands area, where mourners appeared to ignore her as she attempted to deliver a condolence message.
The funeral was for Mavela, a popular matatu operator from the Umoja route who died in a recent road accident.
But it was not just the sorrow in the air that had tongues wagging, it was the senator’s late arrival, choice of outfit, and the awkward turn her speech took.
In the now-viral video, Nyamu is seen showing up well after the program had already begun, dressed in tight black jeans, a flowing white blouse, and white sneakers an ensemble that immediately drew side-eyes from mourners.
“Habari zenu vijana… familia, kanisa, watu wa Nairobi Eastlandos in the world,” she greeted hesitantly. But her words fell flat. Mourners barely acknowledged her presence, and the silence was deafening.
Guided to the podium by a few attendees, Nyamu attempted to carry on with a condolence message. “Waombolezaji tumefika hapa kuombolezana nanyi… Pole zangu kwa kuchelewa,” she began. But midway through, the casket was lifted and carried away by a group of young men diverting all attention and leaving Nyamu visibly flustered.
“Wacha iende,” she remarked, trying to salvage the moment. She then quickly wrapped up with a generic, “Mavela rest in peace… love, much respect,” before stepping down and taking a photo with one of the youths nearby. The rest of the crowd remained largely indifferent.
As expected, Kenyans on social media did not hold back.
@rfungom asked, “But why dress like that?”
@chkamau2010 slammed her appearance, saying, “It’s lack of respect. If she knew she was attending a funeral, even for her own family, the dress code should reflect the somber mood, not look like she’s going to a fashion show.”
@tzeecoin weighed in with a more serious reflection: “This really shows how people are demanding more accountability and genuine connection from their leaders. Respect to the mourners for keeping it peaceful despite their frustration.”