Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga recently experienced a disappointing loss after placing a hefty KSh 1 million bet in favour of Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final. The match, held at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, saw Manchester United fall to Tottenham Hotspur in a closely contested 1-0 defeat.
With high hopes and confidence in her team, Omanga publicly declared her bet on social media just before the game kicked off. She revealed that she had placed the wager alongside two friends, fully expecting Manchester United to emerge victorious. Dressed in team spirit and enthusiasm, she expressed confidence that the Red Devils would bring her a clean KSh 4 million return.
However, the match did not go as she had hoped. Tottenham Hotspur, led by manager Ange Postecoglou, claimed their first major trophy since 2008. The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Brennan Johnson capitalised on a cross from Pape Matar Sarr. The ball, deflected by United defender Luke Shaw, found its way into the net, giving Spurs the lead they maintained until the final whistle.
After the match ended, Omanga returned to social media, this time to express her disappointment. In a brief but emotional post, she admitted defeat and accepted the loss of her KSh 1 million bet. The message was met with an overwhelming response from fans and football enthusiasts across the country.
The reactions online were as spirited as the match itself, with many users poking fun at the loss and taking the opportunity to celebrate United’s misfortune—especially supporters of rival clubs. Some comments joked about Manchester United’s recurring struggles, suggesting that the team works hard only to end up with nothing. Others used the moment to express delight as fans of Chelsea and other clubs enjoyed what they called a rare moment of football satisfaction.
A few users critiqued the decision to bet such a large amount, suggesting the money could have made a significant difference if channeled toward social causes or youth empowerment. One user remarked that dividing the money among underprivileged youth would have had a life-changing impact, while another urged that football clubs named after “Red Devils” might be spiritually cursed and in need of repentance.
This episode adds to Omanga’s colourful public life, where she often engages with trending topics, sometimes sparking lighthearted controversy. In the past, she has also spoken out on serious national issues. Notably, she responded to a recent investigative documentary exposing incidents during protests, urging Kenyan leaders to heed the voices of the youth and implement meaningful reforms for the country’s future.
Despite the financial setback, Omanga’s public persona remains unshaken. Her openness about the loss and humorous resignation has added another memorable chapter to her already eventful online presence. Whether the loss changes her stance on betting remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Kenyan football fans never miss a chance to weigh in with humour and passion.
