Nominated senator Karen Nyamu has addressed the viral photos showing her engrossed in her phone during the burial ceremony of former prime minister Raila Odinga on Sunday, October 19. The images sparked debate online, with many Kenyans questioning what she was doing on her phone while national leaders delivered emotional tributes.
The state funeral was held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, where thousands gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran politician. The event brought together top political leaders, dignitaries, and citizens united in mourning.
During the ceremony, Narok senator Ledama Olekina took the podium to acknowledge his Senate colleagues. When he reached Karen Nyamu, he playfully pretended to forget her name, prompting her to make a lighthearted facial expression that quickly caught the crowd’s attention. Shortly after, photos surfaced online showing Nyamu deeply focused on her phone while others listened to speeches.
One photo suggested she was editing pictures on Snapchat. This assumption quickly spread across social media, drawing mixed reactions from users. Some accused her of being distracted, while others defended her right to use her phone.
After hours of speculation, Karen Nyamu clarified what had happened. She posted a video on her social media pages showing herself watching a clip of her children inside her car and explained that it was the same video she had been viewing during the funeral.
“So apparently that’s the video. I was just watching my babies’ videos on Snapchat during the speeches, at zero volume. Mama things,” she wrote.
In another post, she admitted that she found herself momentarily distracted during the ceremony. “I would be lying if I said that I was fully present at the ceremony. At one point I caught myself wandering, ati tunafanya nini hapa?” she added.
Her clarification drew more responses online. Many netizens came to her defense, arguing that the situation was blown out of proportion. Willys Cayro commented, “Kwani what’s wrong with that? That’s for memories. Let’s stop being petty.” Patricia Nyatichi questioned the intentions of the person who took the photo, saying, “Halafu mwenye alichukua hio picha kwani alikua ready aje? Na pia yeye hakuwa anaskiza alikuwa kwa simu.”
Others criticized those who spread the photo. Mike Sylvestre Jnr wrote, “Na wewe uko busy minding people’s business, let her be.”
The viral moment highlighted how public figures face constant scrutiny, even in solemn events. Karen Nyamu’s quick response helped clarify the issue, showing that what appeared to be distraction was simply a mother connecting with her children in a quiet moment of reflection.
