Millicent Omanga Reveals Why She Ditched Ruto’s UDA

 Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga

Businesswoman and former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has revealed why she quit the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), claiming she was used to mobilise votes, particularly among women.

Speaking during an interview on Milele Radio on Friday, April 10, 2026, Omanga accused President William Ruto of leveraging her influence to attract support from various grassroots groups.

According to Omanga, she later realised that her role had been largely political mobilisation, which contributed to her fallout with the party.

“Na mimi nilitumika, sikujua kwamba ilikuwa kutumika kutafuta kura kwa akina mama. Tukasema, ‘Ooh, watu wa mama, akina mama mboga, watu wa boda boda, vijana wa kinyozi, wasichana wa salon, akina mama fua’ – vitu vyote vile ikawa, kumbe, ni kuadaa, so hiyo ndo jambo moja kubwa haswa ya mimi kutoka pale UDA na kukosa kumsupport Rais Ruto,” she said.

Her remarks come weeks after she officially joined the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a statement shared on March 19, 2026, Gachagua welcomed Omanga to the party, praising her track record and describing her as a development-oriented leader.

He added that the DCP remains committed to listening to the voices of Kenyans while recognising the role of every citizen.

Omanga, who was previously a vocal supporter of President Ruto during the 2022 General Election, has since shifted her political alignment as the country gears up for the 2027 polls.

She has also confirmed that she will contest the Nairobi Woman Representative seat in 2027, a position she narrowly lost in the last election.

Reflecting on her previous bid, Omanga thanked the Mt Kenya region for its support, noting that the backing she received played a key role in her decision to run again.

“I am so impressed with the community from Mt Kenya because you gave me 600,000 votes in Nairobi in 2022. I want to say thank you. I just fell short by a small number, but this time around, in 2027, I will still be contesting for the seat,” she said.

She expressed optimism about her chances, citing what she described as growing unity within the opposition.

“And this time all cousins will be together. 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 Eastern, Kalonzo Musyoka has united his people also,” she added.