Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing zoning discussions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), warning that the party risks losing its grip on traditional strongholds.

Speaking during an interview on Herman Manyora’s podcast, Sifuna did not hold back, painting a picture of a party he believes has significantly weakened over time. According to the Nairobi senator, ODM’s once-solid bases are now vulnerable, with rival outfits such as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) steadily making inroads.

He noted that counties like Homa Bay, long regarded as ODM strongholds, have never required serious zoning talks in the past, something that is currently a stark contrast.

He added that the party only engaged in zoning talks in places like Nairobi to protect smaller parties that ODM has gone into partnership with, but not in places like luo Nyanza

“For the first time I have never heard of zoning in Homa Bay. We have reached a place where we are asking for zoning in Homa Bay; when ODM was strong, we never cared who ran against us,” he stated.

In a sharp critique of the party’s leadership, Sifuna blamed ODM’s current challenges on top officials who have championed the broad-based political arrangement. He argued that this approach has inadvertently opened the door for President William Ruto and his allies to penetrate regions that were once firmly under ODM’s control.

Broad-based factor

The senator also took issue with members within ODM who have publicly supported President Ruto’s re-election bid. He revealed that he had previously cautioned such leaders against aligning too closely with the government, warning that their actions would weaken the party from within. According to Sifuna, the consequences he predicted are now unfolding.

He further emphasised that President Ruto, whom he described as a seasoned political operator, is unlikely to retreat once he establishes influence in a region. Instead, Sifuna warned, the president is likely to consolidate his presence and build long-term political structures in those areas.

Sifuna’s remarks come at a critical moment, as pressure mounts within ODM ranks for the party to adopt clear zoning strategies in its strongholds. The push for zoning is now emerging as one of the key demands—often referred to as irreducible minimums—in the anticipated talks between ODM and UDA.