"It's inappropriate!" Anger, discomfort as Millicent Omanga continues to wear school uniforms

• Rather than being perceived as a harmless gesture of solidarity, online reaction reflected widespread unease regarding the boundaries between adulthood, public office, and student environments.

A recent video featuring politician Millicent Omanga performing a choreographed dance alongside secondary school students while dressed in a matching school uniform has sparked intense backlash across social media.

While political and public figures often attempt to connect with youth through shared activities, the repetitive practice of adults donning school uniforms in public settings has struck a deeply uncomfortable chord with many Kenyans.

The video shows Omanga wearing a red sweater, collared shirt, pleated skirt, white socks, and dark shoes to match the attire of the surrounding students as they perform a routine.

Rather than being perceived as a harmless gesture of solidarity, online reaction reflected widespread unease regarding the boundaries between adulthood, public office, and student environments.

Commentators pointed out that an adult taking on the attire of young school-aged children borders on self-infantilization.

Dressing as a student, many stated, blurs the professional line expected of leaders, leaving audiences confused about the underlying intent.

Online reactions strongly criticized Omanga's practice as abnormal, with several users describing the fixation on school attire as "creepy," "disgusting," or akin to an unwholesome fetish.

Many Kenyans agreed that the deliberate adoption of a minor’s uniform by a prominent adult creates an inherently unsettling dynamic for observers.

Critics also contended that school grounds and events should be dedicated to education and student empowerment rather than adult political theatrics.

Milicent Omanga has, over the last several months, almost absurdly perfected the art of dressing in school girl uniforms, inviting questions on her intention, motivation and even purpose.

Back in July 9, Omanga swapped her usual attire for a school uniform, where she debuted a lavender-themed outfit during a visit to Njathaini Primary School in Roysambu Constituency.

The appearance marked the third different school uniform Omanga had worn in four days as she continued a series of visits to Nairobi primary schools as part of her menstrual hygiene outreach programme for girls.

For that particular day's visit, Omanga wore a lavender short-sleeved shirt tucked into a purple-and-white checked skirt, paired with white knee-high socks and black Mary Jane shoes as she walked through the school's corridors.

At Kangemi Primary School, she wore yet another uniform. Dressed in a pink checked school dress with a white collar, Omanga spent the morning interacting with learners, teachers and school staff, posing for photos with pupils and distributing sanitary products to schoolgirls during the visit.

She also wore a uniform while visiting Tom Mboya Primary School and still wore one while touring Lenana Primary School.

Many Kenyans highlighted the fact that Omanga's body structure was itself a distraction to the causes she claims to represent, observing that the uniforms hug her a little too much, utterly missing the point and inviting divertive attention.

"Allowing wealthy or influential figures to engage in such behavior in front of students is an inappropriate exercise of influence. This is not normal. Nothing about wearing little girls' uniforms is normal," one Kenyan wrote.

Someone else wrote, "Public office and leadership require a level of decorum. An adult politician wearing a school uniform to visit children blurs the line between public service and clout chasing. What purpose does it serve?"

X user Luke Kiarie also expressed his disgust, writing: "Distributing sanitary pads is a noble initiative, but turning it into a PR spectacle by dressing up as a student diminishes the cause. Keep the focus on the girls, not the costume."

Yet another Kenyan said: "Why is an adult politician consistently donning school uniforms across different visits? It feels unnatural and deeply uncomfortable to watch. We need boundaries around school spaces."

On her part, X user Peninah Wangari said, "School grounds should be protected spaces dedicated to education and student empowerment, not arenas for politicians to perform choreographed routines in matching uniforms."

Despite the continued pushback from Kenyans online, the politician and Nairobi Women Representative aspirant appears unmoved by the furore, somewhat keen on keeping up with her dramatic appearances and attention-grabbing gimmicks.