ODM and UDA leaders split over political parties zoning plan ahead of 2027 elections

A sharp split has emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement over proposals to introduce political parties zoning in Nyanza and other perceived strongholds ahead of the 2027 General Election. A section of ODM leaders, led by Homa Bay Governor and party national chairperson Gladys Wanga, is pushing for zoning as part of negotiations within the broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance. Wanga argues that zoning is essential to protect ODM’s political base and ensure the party retains its parliamentary strength as it prepares to support President Ruto’s reelection bid. Wanga said zoning would prevent UDA from fielding candidates in ODM strongholds, allowing each party to maintain its traditional bases. “ODM is the only thing our political father Baba Raila Odinga left us with. We must defend it by all means, and zoning is one way of protecting our party. Before we begin negotiations with UDA, they must respect our zone first,” Wanga said. Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma backed the proposal, calling zoning “mandatory and nonnegotiable” for any electoral partnership. He said ODM and UDA should field joint candidates for all positions—from president to MCA—to avoid competing against each other in their respective strongholds. However, several senior ODM leaders have rejected the zoning plan, warning it undermines democratic principles and restricts voter choice. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo dismissed the proposal, urging the party to allow open competition. “We are in a broad-based coalition with UDA. Let them field candidates anywhere. Let what we have done under our respective mandates be our defender,” she said. Odhiambo also defended ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, warning against sidelining him amid ongoing factional disputes between the Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi camps. “I warned against chasing Sifuna from the party. When you mistreat someone, you make him a hero. Our mistreating Sifuna is what has made him a hero,” she said, recalling past incidents where she faced hostility for raising internal concerns. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, ODM’s founding secretary general, also opposed the zoning proposal, calling it a flawed short-term tactic that could have long lasting consequences. He said zoning violates the party’s democratic values. “Every Kenyan has the right to run for office anywhere in the country, from local positions to the presidency, as long as they meet legal requirements. Voters have the right to choose their leaders freely, without pressure or artificial limits,” he said. Leaders from UDA have similarly rejected the zoning plan. Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero said barring candidates would deny voters choice and contradict Raila Odinga’s long standing commitment to political pluralism. UDA Homa Bay chairman Kennedy Obuya insisted the party would field candidates in Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori regardless of ODM’s position. As the debate intensifies, ODM remains divided between leaders pushing for zoning as a strategic safeguard and those warning that it risks eroding the party’s democratic foundations.