Stand-up comedian and civil rights activist Eric Omondi has criticized Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu for attending Natalie Githinji’s Endometriosis Warriors (N.E.W.) awareness event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Omondi stated that event organizers had decided to bar politicians from the venue to prevent political posturing and ensure the gathering remained focused on health advocacy and supporting Githinji’s medical crusade.
According to Omondi, Nyamu had reached out to him via telephone prior to the event, expressing her interest in contributing to the cause. He directed her to send financial assistance directly to Githinji, and Nyamu subsequently transferred KSh 100,000 to Githinji. However, Omondi stressed that at no point did Nyamu mention her intention to attend the event in person. Despite this, Nyamu took to the stage to address the audience, only to be interrupted by loud chants of “Wantam” from portions of the crowd.
Omondi revealed that security personnel at the venue access points had been given strict protocols regarding political figures. He explained that the ban on politicians was due to two primary reasons: firstly, elected leaders had consistently failed to offer financial backing when approached to assist Githinji with her medical bills and event logistics; and secondly, organizers wanted to safeguard the integrity of the health advocacy campaign from political hijacking.
Nyamu attributed the hostile reception to Omondi’s presence and anti-government activism. However, Omondi maintained that Nyamu’s attendance directly violated the organizers’ directive. He disclosed that Nyamu had been aware of the likely public reaction, yet still chose to attend the event. Omondi urged political leaders to allow grassroots campaigners to hold center stage without unsolicited political intrusion.
The event, which aimed to raise awareness about endometriosis, saw a significant turnout at the KICC. Githinji’s medical crusade has been ongoing, with various stakeholders showing their support. However, the controversy surrounding Nyamu’s attendance has sparked a debate about the role of politicians in health advocacy events.
Omondi’s criticism of Nyamu has sparked a heated discussion on social media, with many Kenyans weighing in on the issue. While some have defended Nyamu, others have supported Omondi’s stance, arguing that politicians should not hijack grassroots initiatives. The incident has raised questions about the boundaries between politics and health advocacy in Kenya.
The incident is likely to have implications for future health advocacy events in Kenya, with organizers and stakeholders re-examining their protocols for engaging with politicians. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the intersection of politics and health advocacy in Kenya remains a complex and contentious issue.
Key points
- Eric Omondi criticized Senator Karen Nyamu for attending an endometriosis awareness event at KICC despite being barred by organizers.
- Nyamu’s attendance sparked controversy, with Omondi arguing that it diverted attention from the health advocacy campaign.
- The incident has sparked a debate about the role of politicians in health advocacy events in Kenya.
