Ruto Appoints Millicent Omanga's Replacement
The appointment of Omanga has since been revoked according to section 51 of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act.
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto has appointed Josephat Abaga Fan Sagero as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission. This comes after the Head of State appointed former nominated senator Millicent Omanga to the role, only for her to reject it hours later.
As per a Special Gazette Notice dated October 28, 2024, Sagero will serve for a term of three years, renewable once based on performance.
"IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred on me by the Constitution and the Laws of the Republic of Kenya, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Josephat Abaga Fan Sagero to be a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, for a term of three (3) years renewable once based on performance," the notice read in part.
President William Ruto with Josephat Sagero (left) during a past engagement. /FILE
The appointment of Omanga has since been revoked according to section 51 of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act.
This appointment came after 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.
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.
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 would align 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. Wanjiru is yet to comment on her latest government appointment. 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.
