Omanga declines Ruto's appointment to Nairobi Rivers Commission

Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has declined an appointment from President William Ruto to serve on the Nairobi Rivers Commission, citing personal reasons.

In a statement posted on her X account, Omanga expressed gratitude for the trust and recognition but noted her decision to step back from the position.

"I’m deeply honoured and grateful to H.E. @WilliamsRuto for the trust you’ve shown in appointing me to serve on the Nairobi Rivers Commission," Omanga wrote.

"It’s truly a privilege to be considered for such a vital role in improving our beloved Nairobi’s environment and public health. However, after careful consideration, I must respectfully decline the appointment due to personal reasons," she added.

The Nairobi Rivers 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.

I’m deeply honored and grateful to H.E @WilliamsRuto 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…

— Hon Millicent Omanga (@MillicentOmanga) October 26, 2024

In her tweet, Omanga reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the Nairobi River project despite not taking on the formal role.

"I remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at restoring Nairobi’s rivers & stand ready to contribute in any capacity that aligns with my current commitments," she stated.

Omanga had been appointed to the position through a Gazette Notice dated October 25, 2024.

President Ruto has also named former Starehe MP, Margaret Wanjiru, as the head of the Nairobi Rivers Commission.

Additionally, the commission was moved from the Office of the President to the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development.