Catherine Nakhabi Omanyo recently rose to the powerful position of Secretary General of the ODM party—albeit for a short stint following the ouster of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Despite this, many remain unfamiliar with the legislator. Although she serves as the party’s Deputy Secretary General, she has largely been overshadowed by Sifuna’s larger-than-life persona. This has left many asking the question: Who is Catherine Omanyo?
Omanyo is a politician, education activist, and the Woman Representative for Busia County in the National Assembly. Born on July 7, 1978, in Busia County, Kenya, she is widely recognized for her human rights advocacy, particularly her dedicated work in championing the rights of women across the country.
Catherine was the Deputy General Secretary for ODM, now she is the New acting General Secretary for the Orange Democratic Movement Party, following the announcement that was made on 11th February 2026. After the National Executive Committee resolved to remove Edwin Sifuna as the Secretary General.
Having grown up in Busia County, she encountered many challenges as a young ambitious girl who wanted the best for herself, raised by her single mother after her father died. Graduated from University of Nairobi with a Bachelors Degree in Education.
One point , she worked as a nanny, sneaking to school to afford education and begging teachers to sit for exams without paying school fees. She refused to be defined by where she came from, who was around her and embarked on a journey to a better living and fulfillment.
Catherine has also given room for poor and orphaned children to access education in schools. She is the founder of International Champions, a tuition -free school located in Busia County close to the boarder of Uganda.
Her turning point came when she begun the journey to deliver children from poverty, and other social-economic injustices in the third world countries. Her rural home is a home for many needy children, orphans and those living with HIV.
She always organize and spread awareness on HIV, mainly targeting the youths and women, who risks exposure in rural areas and offering free education through Impreza Academy for children whose parents are HIV positive and can’t afford school fees.
