Millicent Omanga: UDA's dancer-in-chief ditches yellow wave for Gachagua's DCP

Millicent Omanga addresses a past event. [File, Standard] At the height of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaign season, when rallies thrived on vibes, volume and viral moments, one figure never waited for the Master of Ceremonies invitation to take the stage. Millicent Nyaboke Omanga needed no cue. The music would swell and there she was, already in motion, dancing with confidence of someone who understood the politics of rhythm than reason. Omanga became, unofficially and almost inevitably, UDA'S dancer-in-chief. She was an energy booster and a morale officer, igniting the crowd. While others waved placards, she waved her hips. It was impossible to miss her at UDA rallies or events, draped in party colours, smiling broadly. She drew both support and criticism as clips of her dancing went viral. Crowds demanded her moves. At one UDA rally, party leader William Ruto's aide, Farouk Kibet, signaled her to dance for the crowd after she had finished her speech. Supporters seemed unwilling to settle for just words; they wanted Omanga to bring the energy. Kibet called on her to dance and her fellow dancer-and ardent UDA campaigner-Aisha Jumwa, joined her on stage. Another memorable moment came during the UDA National Delegates Conference (NDC), when Omanga and Jumwa entertained guests with their moves. Omanga understood that politics could be fun, at least performative, and that sometimes it's all about being seen. Cameras loved her. A long-time UDA loyalist and vocal supporter of President Ruto in the lead-up to the 2022 General Election, Omanga, who calls herself Mama Miradi, was everywhere for a time. So it came as a major shock when she abandoned the yellow wave and UDA's dance floor, crossing over to the opposition. The 43-year-old businesswoman and former Nominated Senator last weekend announced her move to join the united opposition brigade led by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Jubilee Party's Fred Matiang'i, and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Millicent Omanga during previous campaign in Gikomba. [File, Standard] Omanga had unsuccessfully contested for the Nairobi Woman Rep seat in the 2022 elections, losing to Esther Passaris, who garnered 698,929 votes against her 586,246. "I am impressed by the Mt Kenya community because you gave me 600,000 votes in Nairobi in 2022. You supported me, and I thank you. Although the votes fell short by a small number, I will still be contesting for the same seat in 2027," she said. She spoke on February 7, 2026, in Gatundu South when former Deputy President Gachagua introduced her during the traditional dowry payment ceremony of Ann and Aloise Kinyanjui, brother to Moses Kuria. Omanga confirmed she will vie for the Nairobi County Woman Rep seat in 2027, acknowledging the backing she has received from the Mt Kenya community. She expressed confidence in the united opposition, saying that growing ethnic political cohesion across key regions had strengthened her prospects, effectively switching her political stage. "This time, it will not just be 600,000 because all cousins will be together. We will have other cousins on board, and you will not be alone. Other cousins from Kisii, led by Matiang'i, have joined, and Kalonzo has brought our cousins from Ukambani," she added. As the rhythm of Kenyan politics changes, Omanga now dances to a new beat in the opposition. With the Mt Kenya region increasingly drifting away from President Ruto, she said she was confident the shifting mood would work in her favour as she seeks elective office. Once UDA's almost-official dancer at campaign rallies, Omanga appears to have read the signs of the times and jumped ship, pursuing the County MP seat in hopes that the opposition wave will carry her through. She publicly confirmed her intention to contest after consulting with her supporters, joining other potential contenders, including incumbent Passaris, nominated Senators Crystal Asige, Karen Nyamu, Tabitha Mutinda and social media personality Maverick Aoko. "Many have been asking about plans for 2027... I will be on the ballot for the Nairobi Women Rep position. I will be with my people. I hear you, and we are together in this," she said. Omanga also criticised the Ruto administration for using handouts to sway voters, urging citizens to remain politically independent. "There are so many hotels (money) that have been opened, and more will still be opened. I urge you to take that money because it is yours-your taxes. Meanwhile, your MPs are lining up at State House for the same handouts. I say this because I have been there three times, and I know," Omanga added.

Millicent Omanga: UDA's dancer-in-chief ditches yellow wave for Gachagua's DCP

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