Catherine Nakhabi Omanyo has been appointed Acting Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), marking a major leadership shift within one of Kenya’s largest political parties.
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The Busia County Woman Representative takes over the influential administrative role following the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who had served as ODM Secretary General since 2018.
The decision was reached by the party’s National Executive Committee on February 11, 2026, in what analysts describe as a strategic realignment ahead of intensifying political activities.
Rising Through ODM Ranks
Before her appointment, Omanyo served as ODM Deputy Secretary General. Over the years, she steadily strengthened her influence within party structures while maintaining a strong grassroots presence in Busia County.
Her elevation places her at the center of ODM’s administrative and strategic operations at a critical political moment.
Early Life and Education Background
Born on July 7, 1970, in Busia County, Omanyo’s upbringing was marked by hardship. She lost her father at the age of fourteen, leaving her mother to single-handedly raise ten children under difficult circumstances.
Determined to pursue education despite financial constraints, Omanyo fought for opportunities. In 1998, she secured a scholarship to the University of Nairobi. While studying, she reportedly took up small jobs to sustain herself in the capital.
Her passion for education later led her to establish Imprezza Academy in 2001. The institution eventually developed into the International School for Champions, a tuition-free learning center supporting vulnerable children near the Kenya-Uganda border.
Political Journey and Persistence
Omanyo’s political ambitions date back to 2007 when she first contested for the Nambale parliamentary seat. Although unsuccessful, she continued pursuing elective leadership.
She later vied for the Matayos parliamentary seat in both 2013 and 2017 but did not secure victory. Her breakthrough came in the 2022 General Election when she was elected Busia Woman Representative on an ODM ticket.
Since joining Parliament, she has overseen multiple community-driven initiatives through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), including:
Drilling over 37 boreholes
Supporting widows with housing projects
Leading anti-jigger campaigns
Promoting menstrual health by distributing sanitary pads to schoolgirls
Her performance has earned recognition in various public opinion rankings, placing her among top-performing women representatives in Kenya.
Can she really match Sifuna's energy
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