Busia Woman Representative and ODM Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo has defended the Orange Democratic Movement’s tradition of open internal competition, warning that unchecked ambition and division could weaken the party at a time it is navigating leadership changes and political uncertainty.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation on Thursday, Omanyo said ODM remains firm on conducting nominations despite rising tension among aspirants preparing for competitive contests. She maintained that loyalty to the party must come first, even for those facing stiff challenges.
“We are heading into nominations, and even I will face challengers,” she said, stressing that her commitment to the party is unwavering. “I remain loyal—I will not leave. I am dedicated to serving the party.”
She said party leaders have been engaging aspirants to ease concerns around nominations, insisting that internal contests should not create divisions or leave behind disgruntled members.
“As we keep meeting with our aspirants plus candidates, we keep pondering and assuring them that we do not have losers,” she said.
At the same time, Omanyo admitted that past experiences show some aspirants who feel unfairly treated have at times hurt the party’s performance by discouraging voter turnout.
“Most people who thought they were not treated well incited others not to go and vote,” she said, pointing to previous elections where sections of voters, especially in Nyanza, stayed away from the polls in 2022.
Her remarks come as questions grow over how ODM will hold together without the unifying presence of Raila Odinga, whom she described as central to keeping the party aligned.
“You see, Baba was a serious glue for the party,” she said. “He would leave us to talk, then he calls us all, and says, ‘Fine, this is the direction’ and everybody follows.”
Omanyo said internal disagreements are part of ODM’s identity and should not be seen as weakness, but as a reflection of a party that allows open debate.
“It is so normal for us. It is our DNA. We debate loudly, we express our views openly. We disagree openly,” she said, adding that such exchanges keep the party active in national conversations.
“It keeps ODM in the news, you can’t escape a discussion about ODM,” she added.
The party has, however, been dealing with renewed internal wrangles since early 2026, largely linked to former Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and the rise of the “Linda Mwananchi” faction. The disagreements, which escalated in January and February, centred on party direction, discipline and relations with the government.
Sifuna spearheaded the Linda Mwananchi push, which some leaders saw as a parallel structure challenging the leadership under Oburu Oginga. The dispute later led to disciplinary action, with the National Executive Committee accusing him of defiance and fuelling division.
On February 11, 2026, ODM removed Sifuna as Secretary General and appointed Omanyo as acting SG in a bid to steady the party. The fallout exposed deep divisions, with rival camps and separate meetings highlighting cracks within the leadership following the transition after Raila Odinga’s death.
Omanyo acknowledged the strain, saying the absence of a central figure has made it harder to manage competing interests within the party.
“That is where the difficulty lies, that is where the disagreements become more pronounced,” she said.
She also pointed to shifting political dynamics, especially in cities like Nairobi, where voter numbers and community alignments often shape strategy.
“If you truly want to make it in Nairobi, you have to look at which side voters are on,” she said.
Even so, she cautioned leaders against engaging in politics that weakens the party for personal gain.
“Opportunism and politics are very common, the only danger is how you do it. You do not do it to destroy the other just for you to benefit,” she said.
Omanyo questioned the logic behind abandoning established parties to form new ones, warning that such moves can backfire.
“Why would you leave to start all over again?” she posed.
She added that unchecked ambition can end political careers if leaders fail to seek honest advice.
“The very thing you seem to be pursuing would be the very beginning of the end of that career,” she said. “There are friends who will be around you, clapping for you, pushing you to continue destroying yourself.”
On public perception, she said political support can shift quickly, noting that today’s popularity does not guarantee tomorrow’s backing.
She also addressed criticism directed at her, particularly online attacks on her communication style, saying she is focused on substance rather than presentation.
She said she faced criticism for not pronouncing “constitutionalism” correctly, but made it clear she has no regrets. As a lawyer, she emphasised that her priority is the substance of her message rather than how it is delivered.
Omanyo defended her authenticity, rejecting pressure to conform.
“Who said that English is what makes me?” she asked.
She concluded by criticising the opposition for focusing on individuals instead of offering clear policy alternatives, saying they often fail to explain what they would do differently and instead centre their messaging on one person.
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