Millicent Omanga Lands Govt Job Months After Rejecting Ruto's Appointment

Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has landed a state position, months after she explained on October 26, 2024, why she turned down President William Ruto's appointment to serve at the Nairobi Rivers Commission.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya picked Millicent Omanga as a member of the Board of Directors of Kenya Shipyard Limited.

"IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section (6) (1) (e) of the State Corporations Act, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Defence re-appoints Millicent Nyaboke Omanga to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Kenya Shipyards Limited, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 14th January 2025," a Gazette notice dated January 17 read in part.

Omanga, fondly known as Mama Miradi, issued a statement on Saturday, October 26 explaining why she rejected the government appointment. She thanked the President for entrusting her with the role of a member of the commission, one she viewed as vital in restoring the environment and public health of the capital city.

Millicent Omanga posing for a photo. /MILLICENT OMANGA

However, she revealed that she rejected the appointment respectfully, due to personal reasons she did not further elaborate on.

"I’m deeply honoured and grateful to H.E William Ruto for the trust you’ve shown in appointing me to serve on the Nairobi Rivers Commission. It’s truly a privilege to be considered for such a vital role in improving our beloved Nairobi’s environment and public health. After careful consideration, I must respectfully DECLINE the appointment due to personal reasons," she announced.

President Ruto appointed the former nominated Senator to serve as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission. The commission, chaired by former Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, was established to oversee the restoration and rehabilitation of Nairobi's rivers.

In March 2023, Ruto appointed Omanga as the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Interior. She was sworn into office on March 23, 2023. However, in June 2023, the High Court declared the creation of the CAS positions unconstitutional, leading to the nullification of all 50 appointments, including Omanga's.  

At the same time, President Ruto appointed former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa to be the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board. Ruto said she would serve in the position for a period of three years with effect from the appointment date.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 7 (1) (a) of the Kenya Roads Board Act, as read together with Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Aisha Jumwa Katana to be the non-executive Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from January 17, 2025,” the notice read.

The President revoked the appointment of Ahmed Kolosh Mohamed. Jumwa was among the CSs kicked out of Ruto's Cabinet in July, and was among eight other cabinet secretaries that did not receive a nod to return to Cabinet.

Jumwa, a seasoned public servant, is now expected to steer the board in overseeing the development and maintenance of Kenya’s road infrastructure.

Other Appointments

Edwin Sudi Wandabusi was named non-executive Chairperson of the Kenya Film Commission. President Ruto also appointed George Wanga as the non-executive Chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), revoking the appointment of Jackson Boma Ojwang.

CS Tuya further reappointed Maryanne Karanja to be a member of the Board of Directors of Kenya Shipyards Limited for three years.

Aisha Jumwa speaking at the launch of the first-ever National Heroes Council Strategic Plan 2023/ 2024 - 2027/2028 at the Bomas of Kenya on July 10, 2024. /AISHA JUMWA

In the gazette notice, other CSs also made appointments in different state corporations and ministries. National Treasury CS John Mbadi appointed Bernard Gitangi to be the secretary of the Insurance Appeals Tribunal for three years with effect from January 17, 2025.

Mbadi further appointed Odongo Okeyo to be a member of the Council of the Competition Tribunal for three years effective January 17, 2025.

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Aden Duale appointed Scola Jepkesei Kimeli the chairperson, Douglas Owiti Nyagidi, Kasambeli Wafula Nasiuma, Martha Wambui Wamuicho members of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Ministerial Audit Committee for three years.

Education CS Julius Ogamba appointed Mumo Kisau and Charles Ogalo to be members of the Council of the National Defence University of Kenya for three years.

The new Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mutahi Kagwe appointed Hassan Guyo Roba, Erukudi Chris Ekustan, Aloise Loitomaga, Ubah Gedi Ibrahim and Justine Simayiai Rakita to be members of the National Livestock Development and Promotion Service.

Kagwe further appointed Adhan Abdullahi to be a member of the Board of Directors, Kenya Sugar Board. Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Wycliffe Oparanya appointed George Maina to be a member of the Board of Directors of the SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority.

Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi appointed Bob Ndubi to be a member of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya Board. Investment, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui has appointed former Allan Kosgey to be the non-executive chairperson of the Board of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute.