Omanyo says she was sidelined in ODM under Sifuna
By Mustafa Juma, March 30, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo has claimed she was largely sidelined during her tenure under the embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, March 30, 2026, Omanyo, who is currently serving as acting Secretary General following Sifuna’s ouster, said her role as deputy was significantly limited due to what she described as a centralised leadership style.
Idle under Sifuna
The Busia Woman Representative revealed that she often had little to do in her position, as most responsibilities were handled directly by her boss, Sifuna.
“Working under Sifuna, or being his deputy, I was a little idle. It is just that I follow what the party says we do, but Sifuna never delegated anything. He took it all, and he was a know-it-all,” Omanyo said.
Omanyo suggested that navigating such a leadership environment required caution, noting that challenging authority could have negative consequences.
“If you have such a boss or a senior, then you don’t also stamp on his ego because it can backfire. I just sat back and let him be,” she said.
Omanyo’s rise in ODM
Omanyo was picked to run the ODM secretariat after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved to oust Sifuna following his stance on the broad-based government arrangement, which saw him being labelled as a rebel.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has since praised Omanyo’s leadership and urged her to remain confident despite criticism from sections of the party questioning her authority, adding that she should stay focused on strengthening the party’s structures and ignore ongoing claims that she is only serving in an acting capacity.
“I am so impressed and inspired by your speech. You should be confident because you are our SG. Ignore all other processes going on, people saying you are acting. As far as we are concerned, we gave you the power to work as our SG,” he said.
Oburu also appeared to question Sifuna’s continued claim to the office, arguing that the Nairobi senator has been absent from key party engagements.
“The other one, if he is SG, where is he? This is the party leader’s office. Where is he?” he posed.
He cited recent party meetings that Sifuna did not attend.
“Recently, we held a National Executive Council meeting. Did you see him? He did not even send an apology,” he stated.
Oburu urged Omanyo to remain focused despite attacks from critics within the party ranks.
“Those abusing you are just giving you strength,” he said.