Robert Alai slams ODM zoning plans in Nyanza as selfish and ill-advised
By Luke Oluoch, December 21, 2025Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has strongly objected to plans to zone the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the Nyanza region, terming them selfish and ill-advised.
In a statement posted on his Facebook account on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Alai stated that the move, advocated by a section of ODM leaders, would not benefit President William Ruto in any way if he agrees to a pre-election pact with the Orange party.
Stifling competition
Alai argued that zoning allows certain leaders to use the party’s influence in the region to handpick individuals to contest on its ticket and deny others the chance.
The zoning process primarily entails informal agreements where parties or coalitions allocate certain constituencies, counties, or regions to specific allies or parties to avoid internal competition.
“Anyone zoning Nyanza as an ODM-only stronghold is trying to be a broker and reducing competition while not helping President Ruto in any way.
“It’s foolish to zone Nyanza as an ODM-only stronghold when you are also trying to create a dynasty in the same Nyanza through ODM domination. Do not force your relatives on the electorates. Allow free competition. Zoning benefits brokers desperate to create their own dynasties,” he stated.
Among the proponents of the move is ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga, who proposed the measure as a broader plan to extend the broad-based government spirit that saw the ruling UDA and ODM endorse and support joint candidates in the concluded by-election on November 27 mini polls.
Her remarks follow Ruto’s declaration on the possibility of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party entering into an agreement with ODM ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking recently during the Piny Luo Festival in Migori County, Ruto hinted at a possible future alliance and collaboration with the ODM, as he appealed to its supporters to ensure the party remains strong heading into the 2027 elections.
“You have to make plans yourself and strengthen your ODM party. We want a strong ODM so that we can plan the leadership of this country. If you make your party strong, I will also make the UDA party strong, and we can then proceed to agree on how we will form the government,” he stated.