Ruto appoints Sagero after Omanga declined appointment

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto has appointed another person in place of Millicent Omanga, who turned down the Head of State’s appointment over the weekend.

President Ruto had appointed Omanga to be a member of the newly formed Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC), before Omanga swiftly declined the appointment.

She thanked the President for the appointment, before declining it for ‘personal reasons.’

“I’m deeply honoured 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,” she posted on her social media places.

“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 honour and for the consideration.”

Ruto has now appointed Josephat Abaga Fan Sagero, to replace Omanga.

“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,” reads a notice in the Gazette notice dated October 28, 2024.

“The appointment of Omanga Millicent is revoked pursuant to section 51 of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act.”

The commission’s mandate is to examine previous reports and recommendations made to reclaim the Nairobi River, and adopt lessons learnt in the new initiative.

Other roles include coordinating activities of various players mandated to engage in the rehabilitation, protection, restoration, beautification and sustainable development of the riverine basin within Nairobi City County.

The other role is monitoring compliance with the laws and regulations governing the environment of the Basin and its catchment areas as well as developing codes of conduct and proposing modalities for enforcement in partnership with the relevant stakeholders.