Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged ODM to prioritise party zoning before entering into any deal with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking in Laikipia County on Thursday, April 9, 2026, Gachagua cautioned that President William Ruto could easily dominate ODM strongholds if the party allowed UDA to field candidates in these areas.

He warned that ignoring this advice could cost ODM a significant number of its seats in the upcoming elections.

“ODM must be very clear that before they proceed on any agreement with William Ruto, they must agree on zoning. Areas that are predominantly dominated by ODM must be left for ODM only,” Gachagua said.

UDA candidates in Nyanza

Gachagua cautioned ODM leaders that President Ruto has already laid the groundwork to sponsor UDA candidates across Nyanza.

According to Gachagua, these candidates will be backed by state resources and “goons” to challenge ODM’s traditional dominance.

“He has organised PS Omollo to sponsor candidates in the whole of Nyanza against ODM. They will be sponsored on UDA,  be funded by the state, and backed by goons,” the DCP Leader stated.

He warned that without a clear agreement on zoning, where areas previously dominated by ODM are left exclusively for the party, ODM will become a “pale shadow” of its former self.

“ODM must be very clear before they proceed to do any agreement with William Ruto,” Gachagua stated, adding that the goal is to reduce ODM to a regional “low party”.

Zoning

A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) elected leaders has taken a hard line on zoning with the United Democratic Movement (UDA) as a cornerstone of pre-election negotiations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They argued that, to support William Ruto’s re-election, UDA should not field any candidates in regions currently held by ODM.

Further, they are demanding that the agreement divide positions on a 50-50 basis, including the Deputy President position if Ruto contests the presidency.

The proposed zoning is intended to prevent ‘friendly fire’ between ODM and UDA candidates in ODM’s traditional bases, ensuring the party retains its influence.

UDA has already made inroads in the Nyanza region, and there are already several aspirants positioning themselves to face ODM candidates for various seats, ranging from MCA to governor positions.