Millicent Omanga was left scratching her head after The Star newspaper published an editorial caricature depicting several Nairobi political heavyweights inside a boxing ring, and she happened to be the one standing tallest in the middle of it.
The illustration, which quickly made rounds on social media, used the boxing ring as a metaphor for the crowded and competitive Nairobi political scene.
Each figure was drawn with recognisable detail to reflect their public persona.
How the caricature was drawn
On the far left, Winnie Odinga was depicted outside the ropes, one arm reaching into the ring, her light-coloured hat lying on the canvas in what appeared to be a visual pun on “throwing her hat into the ring.”
Front and centre stood Omanga, rendered in her well-known signature look: a blue sweater vest, white shirt, plaid skirt, white socks and black shoes.
Both fists were raised high above her head in a victory pose, giving her the dominant position in the frame.
To the right, a cluster of familiar faces pressed against the ropes.
Faith Odhiambo, drawn in a blue suit with glasses and curly hair, reached forward from the group. The others included Johnson Sakaja, Babu Owino, Jalang’o and Pauline Njoroge.
The politician noticed the drawing and shared her reaction publicly, though she admitted she was not entirely sure what the artist was going for.
“I don’t get it — it’s like I am the main character, right? Help me understand. Bora wajue bila Omanga Nairobi ni blunder,” she wrote.
Kenyans did not hold back in the comments, offering wildly different interpretations
Ben Wafula said:
“The main character is the one outside, entering the ring.”
Mwaraa Nderi took a more flattering angle:
“You represent the new generation. A schoolgirl, you know.”
John Blessed added:
“You deserve to represent women in Nairobi.”
Bob Owala kept it short:
“Good observation.”
Collins Yano was more playful, asking:
“Are you dancing or running?”
Nicholas Sanjoseph was blunter still:
“Who told you?”
