ODM signals support for President Ruto’s re?election in exchange for zoning deal

The Orange Democratic Movement has announced that it will back President William Ruto’s re?election bid, saying the party expects a zoning arrangement in its traditional strongholds in return. The declaration was made on Saturday, March 7, during a Linda Ground rally in Melelo, Narok County, held to mark one year since the signing of the 10?point agenda between President Ruto and the party’s late longtime leader, Raila Odinga. ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, alongside Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, outlined the party’s strategy for the 2027 General Election. Governor Wanga urged supporters to embrace a strict “five?piece voting” pattern—electing ODM candidates for all five elective positions: Member of County Assembly, Member of Parliament, Woman Representative, Senator, and Governor. Wanga added that the party also intends to stake a claim in the deputy president’s position as part of its broader political negotiations. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed emphasized that ODM would not cede or reserve any elective seats for the United Democratic Alliance, underscoring the party’s intention to field candidates across all positions.