won't budge!" Omanyo Dares Sifuna.
A simmering power contest within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) burst into the open this week, as Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo launched a scathing attack on Nairobi Seneta Edwin Sifuna, dismissing alleged threats from his political faction and vowing to firmly hold onto her position within the party.
Speaking during a grassroots empowerment event at Segero Primary School in Nambale Constituency, Busia County, Omanyo projected defiance and confidence, framing the ongoing wrangles as a test she is well prepared to face insisting that her years of experience in politics have equipped her with resilience needed to withstand pressure, ridicule and intimidation from what she termed as the "Linda mwananchi" faction aligned to Sifuna.
“I am the Secretary General of ODM, a major party not just in East Africa but across Central Africa. There are those trying to intimidate me, but they will not succeed. I have been seasoned in politics since 2007, and such threats can not shake me. Anyone eyeing this SG position will face me head-on at the party’s NDC elections—if they truly believe in themselves. ~ Hon Catherine Omanyo
Omanyo also has urged Busia County residents to align with the national government, praising the development track record of President Dr. William Ruto for rolling out key projects in the county, arguing that tangible development - not political theatrics - should be the priority for leaders. According to her, continued collaboration between leaders and residents is essential in unlocking economic opportunities in the region.
“This road starts from Namwitsula to Nambale—Akobwait—then turns to Amukura and loops back to Nambale. From Namwitsula, it also extends to Samia via Ganjala Road, all the way to Sio Port of Budalang’i, and it is now being constructed and tarmacked. All this is development brought by President William Ruto. Can you see how he is delivering progress here in Busia? What we want here in Busia is development—not protests.” Hon Catherine Omanyo.
These sentiments were echoed by sections of Busia residents who attended the event. Some openly criticized Sifuna, accusing him of destabilizing ODM through divisive politics. Their reactions reflect a broader grassroots perspective that appears increasingly impatient with internal party wrangles, especially when set against the urgent need for development.
The unfolding standoff between Omanyo and Sifuna underscores deeper questions about leadership, loyalty, and the future direction of ODM. As factions consolidate and rhetoric sharpens, the party may be heading toward a defining moment—one that could reshape its internal dynamics and political posture in the run-up to the next electoral cycle.
