Former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala has come out strongly against the growing push for political zoning ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, May 4, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader termed the practice a form of modern-day tribalism that undermines national cohesion.

Malala argued that political parties must embrace a national outlook by fielding candidates across all regions rather than concentrating on perceived strongholds.

He dismissed zoning arrangements, saying they promote ethnic-based politics under a different name.

“I don’t support that nonsense of zoning. For me, ‘zoning’ is a modern-day name for ukabila,” Malala said.

He cited the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as an example, claiming the party risks shrinking its national appeal by focusing heavily on Luo Nyanza counties such as Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori.

“Look at ODM; they have shrunk to a point where they are only defending Luo Nyanza. They are telling UDA not to field candidates in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori, simply because they believe it is a Luo party. So, who will define which zone?” he posed.

Malala backs nationwide competition

Malala expressed support for parties like the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) fielding candidates across the country, arguing that such an approach aligns with the law and strengthens democracy.

“Political parties, as enshrined in the Political Parties Act, must have a national face. If you have a national face, why concentrate on your native zones?” he said.

DCP strategy for 2027

Malala revealed that the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) plans to field candidates in all counties and across most elective seats as part of its national expansion strategy.

However, he noted that the party may adopt a different approach in key urban areas.

“As DCP, we are going to field candidates across all counties and across all seats, save for Nairobi and Mombasa, which is purely for strategic purposes,” he said.

He explained that in these cities, the party is considering coalition arrangements with like-minded political formations to avoid splitting votes.

Malala pointed out that the law allows political parties to form coalitions and field joint candidates, a strategy he said could be used to maximise electoral success in competitive areas.

“In Nairobi, we might decide that we are not fielding candidates individually. We shall run our candidates on a coalition party ticket,” he said.

The former senator urged ODM to leverage existing legal frameworks to strengthen its position rather than relying on zoning arrangements.

“ODM should take advantage of existing laws to put forth their demands,” he said.

Malala’s remarks add to the ongoing debate over political strategy and party identity ahead of the 2027 elections, with leaders increasingly weighing the balance between regional strongholds and national appeal.