The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has intensified its political strategy to consolidate support in Kenya’s coastal region ahead of the 2027 General Elections, setting the stage for a fresh political contest with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) amid a growing dispute over zoning.

The latest developments come amid shifting political dynamics within the broad-based government, as both parties position themselves for dominance in key regions.

While ODM has traditionally enjoyed significant support along the Coast, UDA is now mounting an aggressive grassroots campaign to reshape the region’s political chessboard.

Speaking at Burhani grounds in Mombasa on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar outlined the party’s plan to expand its footprint through coordinated mobilisation efforts at the village level, emphasising that local leaders would play a central role in building support networks and rallying voters behind the party’s agenda.

Omar noted that UDA’s strategy is anchored on inclusivity and open political competition, rejecting any attempts to limit where candidates can contest.

“Anybody who wants to vie against UDA in our strongholds is welcome, and we won’t stop anyone. Similarly, for us, we don’t want anybody to tell us that we cannot file candidates in their strongholds. If it’s your stronghold, why are you worried? If they are your members, which problem do you have when UDA candidates vie? Why the panic?” Omar posed.

His remarks reflect UDA’s broader national posture against zoning, a proposal being pushed by ODM as part of potential coalition arrangements ahead of 2027. Zoning typically involves political parties agreeing not to field candidates against each other in designated strongholds to avoid splitting votes.

At the Coast, UDA leaders have moved to demonstrate unity and readiness to challenge ODM’s dominance.

In a joint declaration, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, and Governor Issa Timamy pledged continued collaboration among coastal leaders and called for intensified grassroots mobilisation to secure the region for UDA.

UDA-ODM zoning tiff

The declaration signals a coordinated effort by influential coastal figures aligned with UDA to present a united front, particularly in a region that has historically leaned toward ODM and its allies.

However, the strategy has heightened tensions within the governing arrangement, with ODM taking a firm stance in defence of its political turf. Since Sunday, April 5, 2026, senior ODM officials led by party chairperson Gladys Wanga have publicly rejected UDA’s push to field candidates in ODM strongholds.

“If we are going for negotiations, we are going as equal partners, not as a weaker party,” Wanga stated, adding that ODM’s insistence on maintaining its influence in regions where it commands strong support.

ODM leaders have gone further to assert that zoning is non-negotiable. Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi reinforced the party’s position.

“There is no negotiation when it comes to zoning. Because we are not going to allow UDA to plant candidates here in Muhoroni. All our party strongholds, all those strongholds, are reserved for ODM.”

The hardline stance highlights a widening rift that could complicate any future coalition agreements between the two parties. While zoning is often used as a tool to strengthen alliances, it has also sparked internal debate within ODM itself.

Some party members have pushed back against the proposal, arguing that it undermines the principles of multiparty democracy. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo criticised the zoning approach, warning that it prioritises political interests over voter choice.

“On the issue of zoning, ODM is a popular party, and it has fronted candidates without any form of zoning. Pushing an agenda of zoning shows that we have put our personal interest ahead of our constituents,” she stated.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the Coast region is emerging as a key battleground that could significantly influence national outcomes. UDA’s aggressive mobilisation and ODM’s resistance to political encroachment set up a high-stakes contest that will test party structures, alliances, and voter loyalty.

Ultimately, the unfolding zoning clash not only reflects competition for regional dominance but also raises broader questions about the future of coalition politics and democratic space in Kenya.