A recent opinion poll by Bobea Research & Insights has put Catherine Omanyo, the incumbent Busia Woman Representative, ahead of her predecessor Florence Mutua in the race for the Busia County Woman Representative seat. The poll, released on October 7, 2026, shows Omanyo with 72% support among respondents surveyed across the county. This gives her a 47-percentage-point lead over Mutua, who received 25% support.
The Bobea Countywide Tracker surveyed 382 respondents across all seven constituencies in Busia County, with the sample distributed proportionally to reflect the county's voter population. The research firm attributed Omanyo's reported support to respondents' views on her development record, leadership style, political party, and performance in office. Some respondents cited development initiatives, while others pointed to her leadership approach and party affiliation when explaining their preferences.
According to Bobea Research, Omanyo's 72% rating is one of the highest recorded in the county races, anchored on visible development and a leadership style that resonates strongly with the grassroots. The incumbent's path into elective politics began before her successful campaign for the county seat. She first contested for a parliamentary seat in 2007, shortly after completing university, but did not win.
Catherine Omanyo, whose full name is Catherine Nakhabi Omanyo, is the incumbent Busia County Woman Representative and a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). She was elected to the National Assembly in the 2022 General Election. In 2026, Omanyo was appointed acting secretary-general of ODM following changes in the party's leadership, adding a national party role to her position as Busia Woman Representative.
Omanyo studied at the University of Nairobi from 1998 to 2003, earning a Bachelor of Education (Arts). Her parliamentary profile also lists leadership training through the Parliamentary Leadership Development Programme and the National Democratic Institute, as well as a democracy certificate from the International Visitor Leadership Programme in the United States. Before entering Parliament, she worked in community and organisational roles.
Alongside her political career, Omanyo is the founder of Imprezza Academy, which her parliamentary profile lists as an organisation she has directed since 2012. Her education advocacy has focused on providing learning opportunities for vulnerable children, including orphans and learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her public profile also includes work on gender issues and community welfare.
The poll results show that 3% of respondents were undecided or fell under other options. However, the information provided with the poll does not specify the margin of error, confidence level, or constituency-level breakdown of the findings. Mutua, who previously held the Busia Woman Representative seat, recorded 25% in the survey, but the poll information does not provide a detailed breakdown of the factors influencing support for the former officeholder.
Key points
- Catherine Omanyo leads in Busia Woman Rep race with 72% support
- Omanyo's support is attributed to her development record, leadership style, and party affiliation
- The poll surveyed 382 respondents across all seven constituencies in Busia County
