Omanyo Stakes Claim for ODM Secretary General Position After Sifuna
By Emmanuel Jumaah
The race for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General position has taken a new turn after Acting Secretary General Catharine Omanyo asked the party leadership to confirm her as the substantive office holder.
Omanyo made the appeal while addressing residents of Maira Village in Nambale Sub-County, Busia County, where she welcomed the Registrar of Political Parties’ decision to recognize the exit of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the position.
She said the move was necessary to uphold ODM’s code of conduct, discipline and unity, accusing Sifuna of failing to meet the standards expected of a party official.
Omanyo argued that her long-standing service to ODM and her role in defending the party during difficult periods had prepared her to take up the position on a permanent basis.
“I have stood with the party through challenging moments and continued to serve with commitment. I believe I have earned the confidence to lead the secretariat,” she said.
She also cautioned those opposed to her appointment that the contest for the position would be competitive, expressing confidence that her record of loyalty and service would work in her favour.
Sifuna’s departure followed ODM’s internal disciplinary process, which resulted in his removal as Secretary General. The matter was subsequently forwarded to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, which recognized the leadership changes after reviewing the party’s submissions.
The development has set the stage for a fresh contest over the leadership of ODM’s secretariat as the party prepares for its next political phase.
