In an interview on Wednesday night, February 25, 2026, Omanyo defended her promotion following the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on February 11.
Critics have claimed she was picked to replace Sifuna because they both come from the Luhya community. Omanyo strongly rejected that narrative.
“It just happened that I was the deputy secretary general at that time. I have been for the last three and a half years,” she said.
She insisted her appointment was based on her work and ability, not ethnicity. Referring to the late party leader Raila Odinga, she said he believed in her leadership.
“I wasn’t just picked from the streets and placed there. Baba never looked at using tribal cards. He saw something in me. He placed me there for a reason. The potential I have, I am equal to the task,” she stated.
Her appointment has exposed deep divisions within ODM. One group, known as “Linda Ground,” is linked to party leader Oburu Oginga.
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Another faction, “Linda Mwananchi,” supports Sifuna.
(Photo courtesy)
Sources say Sifuna’s removal followed his sharp criticism of President William Ruto at a time when some ODM leaders were engaging the government.
The dispute has also moved to court. On February 12, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal stopped Omanyo from formally taking over the office.
The case is set for a full hearing on February 26, leaving Sifuna as Secretary General on record for now.
(Photo courtesy)
Oburu recently mocked Sifuna’s legal challenge, calling him the “Court SG” and referring to Omanyo as the “Party SG.”
Despite the legal battle, Omanyo says she will defend her position at the party’s National Delegates Conference in March.
“The matter is at court. I don’t want to elaborate on it,” she said.
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