The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Committee (NEC) has appointed Busia County Woman Representative Catherine Nakhabi Omanyo as the Acting Secretary General following the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the position.
The announcement, made after a NEC meeting, places Omanyo at the helm of ODM’s top administrative office at a pivotal moment for the party. As Acting Secretary General, she assumes responsibility for coordinating party operations, overseeing communication structures, and ensuring compliance with the Political Parties Act — functions that form the operational backbone of one of Kenya’s most influential political parties.
A Journey Forged in Resilience
Born on July 7, 1978, in Busia County, Omanyo’s rise to national prominence is rooted in a life marked by adversity and determination. She lost her father at the age of 14, leaving her mother to raise ten children amid financial hardship. As the fourth-born, Omanyo has often recounted the struggles of her upbringing, including moments when she reportedly attended school despite unpaid fees — experiences that would later shape her lifelong advocacy for access to education.
Her academic journey led her to the University of Nairobi in 1998, where she pursued a Bachelor of Education (Arts), graduating in 2003. During her university years, Omanyo balanced her studies with informal jobs to support herself, including tutoring children in informal settlements. These early experiences cemented her focus on education equity and empowerment for vulnerable learners.
Championing Education and Social Justice
In 2001, while still a university student, Omanyo founded Imprezza Academy in Nairobi, an institution aimed at supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Following the disruption caused by the 2007–2008 post-election violence, the school was re-established in Busia County in 2008 and later expanded into the International School for Champions near Matayos. The institution continues to serve orphans and children from low-income families.
Beyond her academic credentials, Omanyo has undertaken leadership and governance training through the Parliamentary Leadership Development Programme (PLDP), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the United States.
Her career spans civil society, administration, and grassroots activism. She has served as Founder and Director of Imprezza Academy, CEO of Kenya Women Agenda, Secretary-General of the Women Candidates Network Kenya, and held leadership roles in youth and governance initiatives. She has also identified with United Nations gender advocacy initiatives and spearheaded anti-jigger campaigns in 2006, positioning herself as a community-driven reformist.
Transition into Electoral Politics
Omanyo transitioned into elective politics in 2022, when she was elected Busia County Woman Representative on an ODM ticket. In Parliament, she has championed menstrual health initiatives, gender-based violence prevention, and economic empowerment programmes targeting vulnerable women.
In 2023, she oversaw the distribution of sanitary pads supported by a Sh10 million allocation and has been instrumental in advancing microfinance, tailoring, and agricultural empowerment initiatives for HIV-positive widows and low-income women in Busia County.
Her advocacy work has earned both national and international recognition, including the Thamani Awards (2025) for leadership in girl-child education, honors from the Isuzu Women Council for gender advocacy, and humanitarian recognition in New York in 2020, where she was named a Peace Ambassador.
A Strategic Appointment at a Defining Moment
Omanyo’s appointment comes amid internal recalibration within ODM following months of political realignments and leadership debates. The Secretary General’s office is central to party organization, membership coordination, compliance oversight, and political messaging.
Her elevation signals a shift toward administrative continuity anchored in grassroots mobilization and social advocacy. Political observers note that her activist background and community-driven leadership style may shape the party’s internal dynamics as ODM navigates its next phase.
Omanyo, who is married to American-born pastor Daron and is a mother of two daughters, Cindy and Sandra, now steps into one of the most consequential roles within the party structure.
As ODM charts its path forward, all eyes will be on whether Catherine Omanyo’s activist roots and legislative experience will translate into cohesive party management and renewed organizational strength.
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