Editor's Review

“Sometimes companies forget political figures are also people and what we do to impact the community is bigger than ourselves."

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has called out Kotex after the company denounced her statement that there were talks for a prospective partnership.

In a statement on Monday, July 1, Nyamu said Kenyans don’t have to agree with her political affiliation to support her plan to give girls free tampons.

“You don’t have to agree with my political affiliation but you can appreciate this noble cause my foundation has taken up to expose our girls to alternative feminine hygiene products like tampons and period cups,” she stated.

Nyamu claimed that Kotex was forced to denounce their partnership with her due to the backlash from Kenyans and the current political temperature.

“Sometimes companies forget political figures are also people and what we do to impact the community is bigger than ourselves.

“As for Kotex Kenya, I feel sorry for the backlash you had to endure yesterday due to my political stand at a time when political temperatures in the country are hot, forcing you to make the statement you made. our aim is not to set you up so we will let it rest there,” Nyamu remarked.

File image of Karen Nyamu. 

The nominated Senator vowed to continue to look for other avenues to ensure school girls have access to free tampons.

On Sunday, June 30, the controversial politician announced that her foundation held a series of meetings with Kotex over the free tampons plan.

“My foundation has had a series of meetings with Kotex Kenya to negotiate on a good deal so that we supply free tampons in schools, particularly in our slums and I'm so excited,” Nyamu announced.

However, Kotex distanced itself from Nyamu’s statement saying there were no discussions with the nominated Senator.

The company pointed out that it does not engage in any political affiliations or endorsements.

“Kotex hereby confirms that no discussions or conversations have taken place with Karen Nyamu. Any assertions regarding a prospective partnership involving Kotex are entirely false,” Kotex stated.