Former nominated senator and businesswoman Millicent Omanga has abandoned President William Ruto’s ruling United Democratic Alliance party, announcing her support for a coalition of opposition leaders as Kenya’s political landscape shifts ahead of the 2027 general election.
Omanga, who played a prominent role in Ruto’s 2022 presidential campaign, made the announcement Friday during a traditional dowry ceremony in Gatundu South, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua introduced her to attendees. She confirmed plans to contest the Nairobi County woman representative seat, a position she narrowly lost in the last election.
“I am so impressed with the community from Mt. Kenya because you gave me 600,000 votes in Nairobi in 2022,” Omanga told supporters. “I just fell short by a small number, but this time around, in 2027, I will still be contesting for the seat.”
Opposition Coalition Takes Shape
The former senator stopped short of naming a specific party banner for her candidacy but threw her support behind a nascent opposition alliance bringing together Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s Jubilee Party faction, and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Omanga expressed confidence that the emerging coalition would significantly boost her electoral prospects, pointing to what she described as growing regional unity among opposition-leaning communities.
“This time all cousins will be together,” she said. “It will not be just 600,000. We will have other cousins on board. You have seen Fred Matiang’i bringing the Gusii community together. He is coming to unite with his cousins from Mt. Kenya. And from the East, Kalonzo Musyoka has united his people also.”
Sharp Criticism of Ruling Government
In remarks that appeared aimed at the current administration, Omanga urged voters to accept campaign donations while maintaining political independence, describing such funds as taxpayer money being redistributed.
“Those who want to give you money, take it. That is your money they are giving you, your taxes,” she said. “You have heard your MPs have camped at the State House where they get handouts. And I speak from a point of knowledge.”
The comments reflect growing discontent within segments of Ruto’s political base, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region, where economic pressures and perceived policy failures have eroded the president’s support since his 2022 victory.
Crowded Field for Nairobi Seat
Omanga joins what is expected to be a highly competitive race to succeed incumbent Esther Passaris, who has announced she will not seek re-election in 2027. The contest for the influential Nairobi seat has attracted a diverse field of candidates.
Other potential contenders include nominated senators Karen Nyamu, Tabitha Mutinda and Crystal Asige, along with activist Hanifa Adan and social media personality Maverick Aoko. The race is seen as a bellwether for broader political trends in the capital, Kenya’s most populous county.
On Thursday, Omanga confirmed her candidacy on social media following what she described as extensive consultations with supporters across Nairobi’s 17 constituencies.
“Many people have been asking what my plan is for 2027,” she wrote. “I will be on the ballot for the Nairobi women representative position. I will be with my people. I hear you, and we are together in this.”
The defection adds to a series of political realignments as Kenya’s political parties position themselves for the next general election, with opposition figures seeking to capitalize on frustration with the ruling coalition’s economic record and governance issues.
