ODM Leaders Insist on Stronghold Protection as UDA Rejects Zoning Calls

ODM Leaders Insist on Stronghold Protection as UDA Rejects Zoning Calls

A political standoff is emerging between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over zoning arrangements ahead of potential pre-election negotiations for the 2027 General Election.

Leaders from both parties have taken opposing positions on whether electoral regions should be reserved for specific parties, highlighting early tensions that could shape coalition-building efforts in the coming months.

Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday, April 6, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga led party officials in calling for zoning as a key condition for any future political agreement with UDA. She emphasised that ODM would only enter negotiations as an equal partner and not from a position of weakness.

“If we are going for negotiations we are going as equal partners, not as a weaker party,” Wanga stated, signalling a firm stance on protecting the party’s traditional bases.

Her remarks were echoed by other ODM leaders, including Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who insisted that the party retains the capacity to compete nationally while defending its core support regions.

“We are not going to sing songs of praise to anybody if they are not going to know that on that table, ODM is very strong, and ODM can field everybody everywhere,” she said.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi took an even firmer position, declaring that zoning within ODM strongholds is non-negotiable and warning against attempts by rival parties to field candidates in those regions.

“There is no negotiation when it comes to zoning… All our party strongholds are reserved for ODM,” Atandi asserted.

The ODM leaders argued that zoning would help avoid internal competition within a potential coalition, strengthen electoral strategy, and preserve political influence in regions historically aligned with the party.

However, UDA has rejected these calls, maintaining that Kenya’s democratic framework guarantees all political parties the right to field candidates in any part of the country.

Speaking in Kilifi on April 4, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar dismissed the zoning proposal, urging ODM to embrace open political competition.

“ODM are saying the Coast is their stronghold and it should be left to them. I want to tell them that the Coast region belongs to its residents. They should allow us to compete fairly,” Omar said.

He challenged ODM’s confidence in its support base, adding: “If you believe this is your stronghold, then why are you worried? Come, campaign, and win.”

The disagreement underscores broader ideological differences between the two parties as they explore the possibility of a political arrangement ahead of 2027. While ODM is pushing for structured negotiations that include zoning, UDA appears to favour a more open, competitive approach.

Political analysts note that the debate over zoning is likely to be a key sticking point in any coalition talks, as it directly affects candidate selection, regional influence, and resource allocation.

Beyond zoning, ODM has also outlined additional conditions for engagement, including calls for a 50-50 power-sharing framework and demands for the deputy presidency as part of any agreement. These positions reflect the party’s intent to secure significant influence within any potential coalition.

The emerging differences come at a critical time, as political formations begin early preparations for the next general election. While discussions between the two sides are still at a preliminary stage, the hardline positions being adopted suggest that negotiations may be complex and prolonged.

As both parties continue to consolidate support and define their strategies, the outcome of these discussions could significantly influence Kenya’s political landscape, shaping alliances, competition, and voter dynamics in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.

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ODM Leaders Insist on Stronghold Protection as UDA Rejects Zoning Calls