What You Need to Know About Catherine Omanyo, ODM’s Acting SG
- Vincent Kiprop
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has thrust Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo into the national spotlight following sweeping leadership changes within the party.
On Wednesday, February 11, Omanyo assumed the role of acting Secretary General after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the position.
She will serve in the role temporarily pending a substantive appointment, marking a significant shift in ODM’s top leadership amid heightened political realignments.
While reading the NEC resolutions shortly after taking office, Omanyo stumbled over the word “constitutionalism,” a moment that quickly drew attention online.
Some social media users questioned whether she could match Sifuna’s oratory skills and debating prowess.
Before her elevation, Omanyo served as ODM’s deputy Secretary General, steadily building influence within party structures while maintaining a strong grassroots presence in Busia County.
Early life and education
Born on July 7, 1970, Omanyo’s upbringing was shaped by hardship. She lost her father at the age of 14 and helped her mother raise ten siblings. Despite the challenges, she pursued education with determination.
In 1998, she secured a scholarship to the University of Nairobi, where she supported herself by washing clothes. She graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree.
Her experiences inspired her to support vulnerable children. In 2001, she founded Imprezza Academy to tutor out-of-school children in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
The initiative later grew into the International School for Champions, a tuition-free institution near the Kenya–Uganda border serving orphaned and underprivileged learners.
Political journey
Omanyo first ventured into elective politics in 2007, contesting the Nambale parliamentary seat, where she finished third. She later ran unsuccessfully for the Matayos MP seat in 2013 and 2017.
Her persistence paid off in 2022 when she was elected Busia County Woman Representative on an ODM ticket.
In Busia, she has overseen projects including the drilling of more than 37 boreholes, construction of houses for vulnerable widows, anti-jigger campaigns, and menstrual health initiatives through sanitary pad distribution and educational programmes.
Recognised among Kenya’s top-performing women representatives, Omanyo has received a Certificate of Merit for resource mobilisation and continues to champion education and empowerment, reflecting her personal journey.
Sifuna disputes removal
Following his removal, Sifuna maintained that he remains the duly elected ODM Secretary General. The Nairobi senator said his political growth was shaped by Raila Odinga’s mentorship and affirmed his commitment to the party.
He also questioned the legitimacy of the leadership changes and indicated he would challenge the NEC’s decision through legal avenues, setting the stage for a potential internal contest within ODM.