Kaluma declares zoning non-negotiable in fiery warning to UDA
By Mustafa Juma, April 8, 2026As political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 general elections, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has issued a stern warning to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), insisting that zoning is mandatory and non-negotiable for any electoral partnership.
Taking to his official X account on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Kaluma emphasised that political allies must field a single candidate for every seat, from president to MCA, to present a united front against opponents.
“There must be clarity in every war. You are either a partner/ally, or the enemy. Partners field a single candidate for each seat from the President, Governor, MPs to MCAs, then go all out together to win against their opponents,” Kaluma stated.
Cross-party competition
He went further to caution against cross-party competition in each other’s strongholds, citing examples of alliances elsewhere.
“Have you heard of Gachagua planning to field candidates in Ukambani now that he is in partnership with Kalonzo? Have you heard of any intention by Kalonzo to field candidates in Central Kenya now that he is working with Gachagua?” he asked rhetorically, stressing that such moves would not be tolerated by ODM.
Kaluma’s statement signals a firm stance by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of critical negotiations with UDA, as both parties seek to consolidate support for the upcoming elections.
“The ODM Party will go for elections alone or in partnership with like-minded allies; to win, not to fight among themselves. Zoning is mandatory. You take it or take the highway!” Kaluma warned.
Kaluma’s ultimatum reflects growing anxieties within ODM over electoral boundaries and candidate placements, particularly in regions where competition with UDA remains intense.
This comes as Kenyan political parties begin intense pre-election negotiations, with zoning, a practice of allocating electoral seats regionally to ensure inclusivity, emerging as a key sticking point.
ODM divisions over zoning
More cracks have emerged within the ODM party over the contentious issue of electoral zoning, exposing sharp differences among the Orange party leaders as discussions intensify ahead of potential 2027 cooperation with 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.
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.
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.
Adding another layer to the debate, 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.