Kasipul parliamentary aspirant Philip Aroko has warned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of an impending backlash from the electorate amid plans to zone the region as an ODM-only stronghold ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement on his Facebook page on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the politician asserted that the move, albeit perceived as an attempt to consolidate power and influence in its stronghold, could end up backfiring.

According to Aroko, zoning risks weakening ODM’s position and potentially resulting in losses or reduced influence as the electorate pushes back against the party’s control.

Shifting landscape

“The discussion regarding zoning has intensified in Luo land because it is viewed as a strategy to protect the ODM leadership from emerging competition. However, the political landscape has shifted; voters are now more vigilant and less tolerant of political conmanship,” part of his sentiments read.

Aroko challenged the party to wake up to the realities of a shifting electorate that has become more enlightened and is now less susceptible to manipulative tactics.

“Maintaining the status quo will be difficult for the party establishment because the electorate is increasingly awakened and demanding genuine representation. The challenges of 2027 will be formidable,” he concluded.

His sentiments mirror those expressed by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, who cautioned the party against attempts to zone the region as an ODM stronghold.

Alai argued that zoning goes contrary to the spirit of free and fair competition, as it allows certain leaders to use the party’s influence in the region to handpick individuals to contest on its ticket and deny others the chance.

Alai’s anti-zoning pleas

“It’s foolish to zone Nyanza as an ODM-only stronghold when you are also trying to create a dynasty in the same Nyanza through ODM domination. Do not force your relatives on the electorate. Allow free competition. Zoning benefits brokers desperate to create their own dynasties,” he stated.

The idea has been proposed by the ODM national chairperson, Gladys Wanga, who touted it as a broader plan to extend the broad-based government spirit that saw the ruling UDA and ODM endorse and support joint candidates in the concluded by-election on November 27 mini polls.