Millicent Omanga Rejects Ruto's Appointment To Govt Post, Explains Why

Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga explained on Saturday, October 26, why she turned down President William Ruto's appointment to serve at the Nairobi Rivers Commission.

In a statement on her social media platforms, Omanga, fondly known as Mama Miradi, 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.

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

President William Ruto speaking at Nairobi River on September 12, 2024. /PCS

"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.

Omanga however expressed that she would remain committed to supporting efforts to restore Nairobi’s rivers and stand ready to contribute in any capacity that aligns with her current commitments. "Thank you once again for this honour and for the consideration," she appreciated.

She was appointed alongside former Starehe Member of Parliament, Margaret Wanjiru, who will chair the Nairobi Rivers Commission. The commission, launched by the Ruto administration in 2023, is a specialised body focused on the revitalisation of Nairobi's river systems.

With a growing population and rapid urbanisation, the Nairobi River and its tributaries have been heavily impacted by pollution, posing challenges to the city’s environment and public health. The commission aims to address these issues through sustainable solutions, ranging from pollution control to the rehabilitation of river ecosystems.

Following the appointments, President Ruto noted that the Nairobi Rivers Commission shall include Principal Secretaries from several State Departments within the Ministries of Environment, Water, Lands, and Internal Security and National Administration.

Omanga joins a list of big names that have rejected appointments by President Ruto, with some Kenyans viewing this as a sign of no confidence in the Kenya Kwanza regime.

In July, Roots Party Leader George Luchiri Wajackoyah’s 2022 presidential running mate Justina Wamae on Monday, July 8 turned down her appointment by President William Ruto as part of a 20-member task force to address human resources for health in the country.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, declined her appointment to the Presidential task force which was to carry out a forensic audit of the country's public debt, with LSK terming the task force itself unconstitutional.

Earlier in October, former Machakos Town Member of Parliament Victor Munyaka announced that he had rejected an appointment by President Ruto as the Chairperson of the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre for three years.