Omanga Axed from Key State Board as Ruto Orchestrates Sweeping Government Shake-Up
Nairobi Women Representative Millicent Omanga has been dramatically removed from the board of Kenya Shipyards Limited in a fresh wave of government restructuring, as President William Ruto and several Cabinet Secretaries unveil a raft of new appointments and reappointments across key state institutions.
In a gazette notice issued on Thursday, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya confirmed the immediate revocation of Omanga’s position, invoking statutory powers under the State Corporations Act.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6(1)(e) of the State Corporations Act… I hereby revoke the appointment of Millicent Nyaboke Omanga as a Member of the Board of Directors of Kenya Shipyards Limited with effect from 30th April, 2026,” the notice read.
The decision takes effect instantly, marking a sudden end to Omanga’s role within the strategic state corporation.
Political Undercurrents
Omanga’s ouster comes amid growing political realignments, particularly following her recent declaration of support for the opposition-linked Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP)—a movement associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. While the government has not explicitly linked her removal to her political stance, the timing is likely to fuel speculation over loyalty battles within Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
Wave of Appointments
Even as Omanga exits, President Ruto moved to consolidate leadership in other state bodies, reappointing members of the Advocates Complaints Commission. Moses Cheboi, Peter Ereri Nyaga, and Mueni Kalola will each serve an additional three-year term.
In another key move, Ngeny Biwott was reappointed as Chairperson of the Kenya National Accreditation Service Board, also for a further three years.
Delayed but Confirmed
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen formally gazetted the appointment of Gilbert Benjamin Kitiyo as Principal Registrar of the National Registration Bureau—over two months after his initial selection in February.
Kitiyo replaces Christopher Wanjau, whose earlier appointment has now been officially revoked, ending weeks of uncertainty surrounding the post.
Fresh Faces and Renewed Mandates
In the East African Community docket, CS Beatrice Askul renewed the term of Dr Nkaesha Naikuni as a board member of the Ewaso Ng’iro South River Basin Development Authority (ENSDA). She also appointed William Larus as a new member of the same board.
Within the Judiciary, Chief Justice Martha Koome reappointed Carolyne Mboku as Chairperson of the HIV and AIDS Tribunal, alongside several returning members, all set to serve three-year terms.
Koome also named Anne Nderu as Chairperson of the Public Benefit Organizations Disputes Tribunal, leading a newly constituted team tasked with handling disputes in the non-profit sector.
A Government in Motion
The latest changes underscore a broader effort by the Ruto administration to recalibrate state agencies, tighten control, and align leadership with its evolving policy and political agenda.
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