Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has argued that the Orange Democratic Movement should prioritise building a strong political party rather than engaging in zoning debates ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview on Herman Manyora’s YouTube podcast aired on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Ojienda said zoning only works for parties that already command overwhelming support in particular regions.

According to the outspoken legislator, a strong party should be confident that any candidate it fields can win elections based on the party’s popularity and credibility.

“Zoning means that whatever candidate you field from ODM in a region, you have no fear that candidate will win,” Ojienda said.

“For me, zoning is not an issue. The only fear should be building a strong and credible party that attracts strong candidates, not zoning,” he added.

The senator argued that ODM should focus on attracting the best candidates rather than restricting competition through zoning arrangements.

He maintained that strong candidates should be allowed to compete fairly for party tickets, while weaker aspirants would naturally migrate to smaller parties where their chances of success are limited.

Ojienda further warned that zoning in a weak political party would be meaningless if rival parties fielded stronger candidates capable of defeating ODM nominees.

“Zoning without strength is an act in a vacuum,” he stated.

His remarks come amid growing internal discussions within ODM over succession politics, regional power-sharing and candidate selection ahead of the next General Election.

The senator also warned the party against conducting what he termed sham nominations or issuing direct tickets to preferred candidates, arguing that such decisions could damage ODM politically.

According to Ojienda, denying popular grassroots candidates fair nominations has previously cost ODM leader Raila Odinga politically by discouraging voter turnout.

“When a candidate loved by the people is not on the ballot, supporters may choose not to vote at all,” he said.

He cautioned that disappointed supporters could either back rival candidates or boycott elections entirely, potentially affecting even presidential vote tallies.

Ojienda has recently emerged as one of the key voices within ODM calling for transparent nominations and internal democracy as competition for key elective seats intensifies ahead of 2027.