Catherine Omanyo, the Busia Woman Representative, has hit back at critics questioning her capacity to lead the Orange Democratic Movement as acting Secretary General, insisting her elevation was earned through experience and trust, not ethnicity.
In a candid television interview on Wednesday night, Omanyo addressed speculation that she was parachuted into the role following the sudden removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on February 11, 2026.
She emphasized that her appointment stemmed from years of dedicated service within the party and the confidence Raila Odinga had in her abilities.
“It just happened that I was the deputy secretary general at that time… I have been for the last three and a half years,” Omanyo said, defending her readiness to take on the top position despite whispers that she lacked the necessary credentials.
Facing claims that party leaders simply replaced one Luhya figure with another to ease tensions, Omanyo was quick to dismiss the narrative.
“I wasn’t just picked from the streets and placed there. Baba never looked at using tribal cards. He saw something in me; he actually placed me there for a reason. The potential I have, I am equal to the task.”
The leadership reshuffle has intensified an already simmering rivalry within ODM. On one side is Oburu Oginga’s ‘Linda Ground’ faction, and on the other, Sifuna’s ‘Linda Mwananchi’ camp. Sources say Sifuna’s ouster followed his consistent criticism of President William Ruto’s government, which some party insiders felt undermined ongoing negotiations for cooperation with the administration.
Omanyo’s full assumption of the Secretary General role remains on hold due to legal proceedings. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) on February 12, 2026, issued a temporary stop, keeping Sifuna in office officially until a hearing set for Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The public exchange has also drawn sharp internal commentary. Oburu Oginga mocked Sifuna’s court challenge, referring to him as a ‘Court SG’ while dubbing Omanyo the ‘Party SG’, highlighting the deepening factional divide.
Despite the legal uncertainty, Omanyo is determined to cement her position. She confirmed her plans to contest the Secretary General post permanently at ODM’s National Delegates Conference in late March.
“The matter is at court, I don’t want to elaborate on it,” Omanyo said with a confident smile, sending a clear message that she intends to remain in the role and continue steering the party’s leadership agenda.
