Which way Ruto? Omanga takes queue from former MP Munyaka in rejecting presidential appointment
Former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga has become the second public figure to decline plum presidential appointment by president William Ruto despite their gazettment.
Omanga declined her appointment by president Ruto’s to the Nairobi Rivers Commission as a member.
In a rejoinder posted on X today, October 26, 2024 shortly after her gazettment as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Omanga declined the appointment due to personal reasons.
This comes barely a month after former Machakos Town Member of Parliament (MP) Victor Munyaka rejected a presidential appointment to serve as chairman of the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre (KAGRC).
However, Omanga said that she supports efforts to restore rivers in Nairobi.
“I’m deeply honored and grateful to 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. I remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at restoring Nairobi’s rivers and stand ready to contribute in any capacity that aligns with my current commitments. Thank you once again for this honor and for the consideration.” Omanga said.
Omanga was appointed alongside ten others.
In the same notice, former Starehe Member of Parliamnet (MP) Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus is Alive Ministries was appointed as the chairperson to serve in the commission for a period of three years.
Others appointed to the commission were Dr. Mumo Musuva, Grace Senewa Mesopirr, John Kioli, Eva Muhia, Amos Chege Mugo, Carlotta Dalago, Rael Chebichii Lelei, Benjamin Langwen and Charles Karisa Dadu.
“Now therefore, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, in the exercise of the powers conferred on me by the Constitution and the Laws of the Republic of Kenya do hereby establish the Nairobi Rivers Commission,” the gazette notice read in part.
In Munyaka’s case, following a notice published in the Kenya Gazette on October 4, 2024, president Ruto had appointed Munyaka to oversee the state agency for a term of three years but he turned it down.
However, two days later Munyaka issued a statement on his official social media pages declining the appointment.
“I thank the Head of State for offering me the opportunity to serve Kenyans in such a capacity. However, after soul-searching, extensive consultations, and consideration of the current political climate that threatens the realization of the government’s economic transformation agenda, I have made the difficult decision to respectfully decline this appointment.” Munyaka said in the letter.
