- Catherine Omanyo has assumed the position of ODM Acting Secretary General following the removal of Edwin Sifuna during the NEC meeting held on February 11
- The Busia Women’s Representative brings years of experience in social work, community advocacy, and political stability.
- Omanyo has been at the forefront of education, women’s empowerment, and development projects in Busia, including establishing the International School for Champions
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed a Women’s Representative kissCatherine Omanyo, in the center of the nation’s eyes following the recent leadership change.
Source: Facebook
On Thursday, February 11, he assumed the position of Acting Secretary General following the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to remove him Edwin Sifuna.
Omanyo will hold the post for a short period of time until a permanent post-holder is elected, considering it a crucial time in ODM’s top leadership before political maneuvers deepen.
While reading the NEC resolution after assuming his new position, Omanyo bit his tongue saying the word “constitutionalism”, something that was received with criticism by some Kenyans.
People wondered if he was really good enough to wear Sifuna’s shoes.
Before being promoted, Omanyo served as the Deputy Secretary General of ODM, building influence within the party structures while confirming his political presence at the level of the people of Busia.
Early life and education of Catherine Omanyo
He was born on July 7, 1970, and his early life was full of challenges.
She lost her father at the age of 14 and faced social and cultural challenges, while having to help her mother raise her ten siblings.
Despite the challenges, he continued his studies diligently, he got a scholarship at the University of Nairobi in 1998, supporting himself by doing laundry.
He graduated with a degree in Education (Arts) in 2003.
Witnessing the plight of children who do not go to school in Nairobi’s informal settlements, he began to educate them, and finally founded Imprezza College in 2001.
This program later changed to the International School of Champions on the border of Kenya and Uganda where orphans and underprivileged children study without being charged tuition fees.
Catherine Omanyo’s political career
His political journey began in 2007 when he competed for the Nambale parliamentary seat, finishing third.
Her later efforts in 2013 and 2017 for the Matayos MP seat did not bear fruit, but her persistence paid off in 2022 when she was elected as the Busia County Women’s Representative through the ODM ticket.
Her work in the county has included drilling more than 37 wells, building houses for the poor, leading deworming campaigns, and promoting menstrual health through the distribution of sanitary napkins and educational programs.
Recognized among the representatives of women activists in Kenya and given a Certificate of Honor for the collection of resources, Omanyo has been at the forefront in emphasizing the importance of education showing her personal experience.
Source: Facebook
Did Sifuna insist that he is still the General Secretary of ODM?
In an accompanying statement, Sifuna insisted that he is still the General Secretary legally elected ODM.
Speaking after his removal, the Nairobi senator admitted that his political base and growth is due to the advice of Raila Odingaconfirming his continued leadership of the party despite recent leadership changes.
Sifuna pointed out that Oburu Oginga’s leadership within ODM was illegitimate and he did not have the right authority, promising to legally challenge the NEC’s decision to remove him.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
