Video: Nyamu tells Wantam supporters to travel widely to appreciate Ruto's work

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Nominated senator Karen Nyamu shared a selfie-style video filmed in a parking lot shortly after leaving Malawi on August 15

- She told Kenyans they needed to travel across Africa before criticising President William Ruto's leadership

- Her remarks triggered fierce pushback from Kenyans online, with many pointing out that most citizens cannot afford foreign travel

Nominated senator Karen Nyamu has found herself in the eye of a storm after urging Kenyans to travel around Africa before judging President William Ruto's performance in office.

In a selfie-style video filmed outdoors in a parking lot, with cars and trees visible behind her, Nyamu addressed her followers directly as she walked, speaking in a frank and opinionated tone.

Why Karen Nyamu wants Kenyans to travel more

She said she had just returned from Malawi and was convinced the experience had changed her perspective.

"Guys, I have just left Malawi and you guys, you need to move around Africa so that you can appreciate President Ruto and what he's doing. If you listen to leaders who tell you nothing about where they want to take our country," she said in the clip shared on X.

The video spread quickly online, drawing sharp responses from Kenyans who took issue with what they saw as an out-of-touch argument.

Critics were quick to point out that the vast majority of ordinary citizens have no means to fund travel abroad, making the comparison feel tone-deaf.

Watch the video below:

Here are some of the comments from social media users:

@muradiTUMB said:

"The majority of Kenyans cannot afford to pay for a vacation outside the country. I guess we will not appreciate your boss's 'forwardness'."

@MM97121 said:

"Malawi cannot even qualify for another loan from the IMF due to overborrowing, and you are benchmarking 😏."

@lexf7hh said:

"So you want us to do a benchmark with Malawi? Kenya achieved a lower middle-income status years ago even b4 Ruto came to power. Malawi is still a low-income economy; as Kenya, we should not be demeaning the govt for services like affordable healthcare, education, industrialisation."

@Phostine___ said:

"What is he doing??🤔 Rwanda and Ethiopia are beating us pants down."

@Bonnien86 said:

"How about you go to Ethiopia and make comparisons."

@Doandy44 said:

"Have you visited the Malawian High Commission at Westland just starting from the gate entrance kume parara sana."

@iicurim said:

"By now we should be a first-world country, lakini watu wanachaguliwa kukuwa senator?"

Nyamu, who serves as a nominated senator, has previously made headlines for her outspoken support of the Kenya Kwanza administration and her willingness to wade into political debates on social media.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.