Former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga has declined to take up the role of a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission to which President William Ruto appointed her on Friday.
Omanga in a statement on Saturday, after news of her appointment went public, cited personal reasons for rejecting the job offer.
Omanga thanked Ruto for considering her for the role and stated that she felt honoured by the move.
"It’s truly a privilege to be considered for such a vital role in improving our beloved Nairobi’s environment and public health," she said.
"After careful consideration, I must respectfully decline the appointment due to personal reasons."
Omanga further said her commitment to supporting the efforts aimed at restoring Nairoibi's rivers remains adding that she is ready to contribute in any capacity in such efforts so long as it aligns with her current commitments.
Omanga was to take up the position of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu whose appointment to the commission was challenged in court.
President William Ruto launched the Nairobi Rivers Commission in February 2023.
The team hired on December 1, 2022, was also to examine previous reports of efforts to reclaim the Nairobi River and incorporate the lessons into the new drive.
The commission's mandate is to coordinate the activities of the various players engaged in the rehabilitation, protection and restoration of the riverine basin.
It also monitors compliance with the laws and regulations governing the environment of the basin and its catchment areas in collaboration with State departments, agencies and/or ministries.
The commission is to examine previous reports of efforts to reclaim the Nairobi River and incorporate the lessons into the new drive.
The commission was also to coordinate the activities of the various players engaged in the rehabilitation, protection and restoration of the riverine basin.
It was also to monitor compliance with the laws and regulations governing the environment of the basin and its catchment areas in collaboration with State departments, agencies and/or ministries.
The initiative aims at restoring the lost glory of the Kenyan capital which the head of state said had deteriorated environmentally over the years, thus losing its ‘City in the Sun’ status of the yore.