Karen Njeri Nyamu is a Kenyan politician and lawyer currently serving as a nominated senator under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Her career in politics has been marked by both influence and controversy, making her a prominent yet polarizing figure in the political landscape.
Born on November 6 in Umoja Estate, Nairobi, she is the second of four children. She attended Riverbank Primary School before transferring to Kamuthatha Boarding Primary in Embu. For secondary education, she studied at Limuru Girls High School. Later, she pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at the University of Nairobi and earned a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She also holds a degree in Public Relations.
Nyamu ventured into politics in 2017 when she contested for the Nairobi Woman Representative position under the Jubilee Party. Although she did not win, her campaign increased her visibility, leading to her appointment as the Nairobi County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture under then-Governor Mike Sonko. Her political trajectory continued, and in October 2022, she was nominated as a senator under the UDA party.
Her personal life has frequently been a subject of public scrutiny. She has three children—two with Mugithi singer Samuel Muchoki (Samidoh) and her firstborn daughter, Teana, from a previous relationship with DJ Saint Kevin. Her relationship with Samidoh has been particularly controversial, often playing out in the public domain with dramatic confrontations and viral moments.
Financially, she has often showcased her wealth on social media. Although her exact net worth remains undisclosed, she owns a Toyota TX and other assets. In November 2024, she revealed that her monthly salary is Sh1.2 million, following reports that some of her properties were facing auction due to over Sh1 million in rent arrears. However, she dismissed allegations of financial struggles. Alongside her political career, she runs a private law firm, Njeri Nyamu & Co. Advocates, based in Nairobi.
Nyamu has been involved in multiple public controversies. In 2024, a video surfaced in which she made derogatory remarks and raised her middle finger while speaking in Kikuyu, which sparked backlash. Another highly publicized incident occurred during a Mugithi concert in Dubai, where she was involved in an altercation with Samidoh and his wife, leading to disciplinary action by the UDA Disciplinary Committee.
In February 2023, she was ejected from the Senate chambers for violating the House dress code by wearing a sleeveless top. In another incident in February 2024, she drew criticism for instructing her driver to take the wrong side of the road while heading to Parliament, which was widely condemned as an abuse of power. On one occasion, she even attended a Senate session barefoot, leading to questions about her conduct.
Her public behavior has raised concerns among governance experts and political analysts, with calls for stricter oversight to ensure nominated leaders uphold integrity and discipline. Despite her controversies, she remains a formidable figure in politics, navigating challenges while maintaining a significant public presence.