Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga on Saturday declined President William Ruto’s appointment to serve in the Nairobi Rivers Commission as a member.
In a statement on social media, Omanga expressed her gratitude for the appointment but stated that she would be declining the honour for what she called personal reasons.
“I’m deeply honored and grateful to H.E Williams 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,” Omanga wrote.
“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. Thank you once again for this honor and for the consideration.”
Omanga was among 11 people Ruto had appointed to serve in the newly formed commission in a gazette notice dated October 25. The commission is to be chaired by Bishop Margaret Wanjiru. Omanga had been appointed to serve as a member.
The newly formed commission is in furtherance with President Ruto’s agenda to regenerate Nairobi rivers by cleaning and rehabilitating them. The new commission will be tasked with ensuring the initiatives to reach this goal are seamlessly met.
To further achieve its mandate, the commission will also include principal secretaries from several state departments including; Environment and Climate Change, Water and Sanitation, Internal Security and National Administration, Lands and Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, and the National Treasury.
The commission's secretariat will be domiciled at the State Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Among other roles the new commission is expected to play include examining previous reports and recommendations made in the efforts to reclaim the Nairobi River and adopting lessons learned in the new initiative.
"Co-ordinate the activities of various players mandated to engage in the rehabilitation, protection, restoration, beautification, and sustainable development of the riverine basin within Nairobi City County," part of the notice announcing the appointments read.
It will also be tasked with assessing the root cause of the challenges that faced the previous commissions to restore a safe, inclusive, and healthy environment for all Kenyans and unlock the socio-economic potential the rivers have.
Other persons appointed to the commission alongside Omanga and Bishop Wanjiru were; Mumo Musuva, Grace Senewa Mesopirr, John Kioli, Eva Muhia, Amos Chege Mugo, Carlotta Dalago, Rael Chebichii Lelei, Benjamin Langwen, and Charles Karisa Dadu.
