Divisions rock ODM over zoning ahead of 2027 talks with UDA
By Mustafa Juma, April 7, 2026More cracks have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over the contentious issue of electoral zoning, exposing sharp differences among the Orange party leaders as discussions intensify ahead of potential 2027 cooperation with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
A series of public statements by key ODM lawmakers on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, revealed a party divided on whether to allow UDA to field candidates in ODM strongholds, particularly in the Nyanza region.
Alai questions exclusion of UDA
Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai openly challenged the logic of blocking UDA from contesting in regions traditionally dominated by ODM.
“We can’t have a situation where ODM leaders argue that President Ruto has been so good to them, then say they don’t trust his party to field candidates in Nyanza,” Alai said in a statement shared on X.
He argued that if political space is to remain competitive, UDA should naturally emerge as the main alternative in ODM strongholds rather than smaller parties.
“The second-best alternative to ODM in its strongholds must be UDA. How do you allow parties like Jubilee, Wiper, or DAP-K and not UDA?” he posed, invoking the legacy of multiparty democracy championed by the late Raila Odinga.
Olekina’s stance
In stark contrast, Ledama Olekina took a firm position in favour of zoning, declaring it “non-negotiable”.
“We have established our ground, and we will defend our political space from any attempt to dominate it,” the Narok senator said.
His remarks reflect growing resistance within sections of ODM against what they perceive as political encroachment by UDA, especially in regions considered core support bases for the party.
All-or-nothing approach
Adding another layer to the debate, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma advocated for a structured zoning arrangement but warned against selective implementation.
“Zoning is common sense to winning the presidency and being able to effectively govern the country after election. We either do zoning and field a single candidate for all seats from President to MCA or do it for no seat and allow all parties to field candidates for all seats from President, Governors, MPs to MCAs,” Kaluma said.
He insisted that ODM is prepared for either scenario, signalling flexibility but also underscoring the need for clarity in any agreement.
“The ODM Party is ready either way. TUKO TAYARI,” he added.
The divergent views highlight deeper tensions within the ODM as it navigates a complex political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election, with already two existing factions, the Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi.
ODM already gave its party leader, Oburu Oginga, powers to lead negotiations with UDA for a possible political arrangement between the two parties, which would form a 2027 pre-election coalition.
However, the zoning debate now threatens to complicate such negotiations, with leaders split between preserving traditional strongholds and embracing broader political inclusivity.