ODM Warns UDA Members From Making Provocative Statements Amid Rising Zoning Tensions
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a strong warning to members of its broad-based partner, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), cautioning against what it termed as provocative statements that could strain the fragile political cooperation between the two parties.
The warning follows a Central Committee meeting held on Thursday, April 16, where ODM leaders expressed concern over escalating tensions linked to zoning proposals ahead of the 2027 General Election. Acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, who addressed the media after the meeting, underscored the party’s dissatisfaction with remarks made by some UDA officials.
“On our relationship with our broad-based partners, UDA, the central committee notes with concern the unwarranted utterances by some senior officials of the UDA party,” Omanyo stated.
She further warned that such statements risk fueling uncertainty and unrest among ODM supporters at a time when political alliances are under increased scrutiny.
“The utterances are aimed at causing anxiety and disquiet among our members. As a party that believes in its principles and ideals, we demand respect from the UDA party,” she added.
The emerging dispute stems from ongoing discussions surrounding electoral zoning — a contentious political strategy that seeks to limit competition in certain regions by allowing specific parties to dominate particular areas. Within ODM, a section of leaders has strongly advocated for zoning as part of negotiations with their political counterparts.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is among those championing the proposal, arguing that it is essential for safeguarding ODM’s influence in its traditional strongholds. Speaking at a recent rally in Homa Bay, Wanga described zoning as a critical and non-negotiable condition for any meaningful political engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, the proposal has been met with resistance from UDA leadership. The party’s Secretary General, Hassan Omar, has firmly rejected the zoning approach, maintaining that Kenya’s democratic framework allows every political party the freedom to field candidates in any part of the country.
The contrasting positions have heightened political tension, with analysts warning that unresolved disagreements could undermine the broader cooperation between the two parties, particularly as the country edges closer to the next general election cycle.
Despite the friction, ODM leaders have maintained that their stance is rooted in protecting party interests while preserving stability among their supporters. Observers note that the coming months will be critical in determining whether the two parties can reconcile their differences or risk a breakdown in relations.
Beyond political disagreements, ODM also addressed the growing public concern over the rising cost of living, particularly following recent fuel price increases that have sparked nationwide debate.
Omanyo acknowledged the economic pressure facing many Kenyans, attributing part of the challenge to global factors while urging the government to intensify its mitigation efforts.
“Kenyans are concerned about fuel prices. We know this is a global problem, while noting the government’s efforts in mitigating the situation, we continue to push it to do more to cushion the effects of the crisis,” she said.
As political temperatures rise, ODM’s warning signals a broader struggle to balance cooperation with competition in Kenya’s evolving political landscape. With zoning emerging as a key fault line, both ODM and UDA face mounting pressure to manage internal and external expectations without destabilising the alliances that currently define the country’s governance framework.
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ODM Warns UDA Members From Making Provocative Statements Amid Rising Zoning Tensions
