Reports suggest that President William Ruto may have nominated former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga to serve on the Nairobi River Commission’s board without notifying her in advance, breaking the usual protocol. However, the primary reason for her decline may be her awareness of the potential backlash from constituents in Nairobi. This issue is highlighted by the controversies surrounding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, tied to the commission’s recent demolitions.
Omanga likely recognized that supporting such initiatives could harm her relationship with the Mount Kenya electorate. This misstep of appointing Omanga without consulting her has placed her in an awkward position, adding her to a list of individuals who have declined state appointments, sparking criticism of the president’s appointment procedures. Critics argue that the president’s close advisors are mishandling appointments, announcing them publicly before securing nominee approval.
The incident has caused embarrassment for the president, with some suggesting that Head of Civil Service Felix Kosgey is to blame. Kosgey traditionally recommends candidates and arranges discussions before any public announcement. Yet in this case, Omanga was reportedly surprised to learn of her appointment through the media.
A further reason behind Omanga’s refusal is her perception of the position as a potential demotion, especially with former MP Margaret Wanjiru chairing the commission. While many of Ruto’s appointees have secured more prestigious roles, such as Chief Administrative Secretary or Ambassador, this appointment may have felt like a step down for Omanga.
Political aspirations also influenced her decision. Key ODM leaders, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, are reportedly encouraging her to pursue the Nairobi Woman Representative position on an ODM ticket. With potential fractures within ODM, especially regarding current representative Esther Passaris, Omanga sees an opening.
Nairobi’s complex tribal dynamics add to the decision, as securing the Kikuyu vote is crucial for her ambitions in the Nairobi Woman Representative race. Her past election results showed a close contest with Passaris, but aligning with the Nairobi River Commission could alienate Kikuyu supporters, given the commission’s contentious history.
