By Habil Onyango
A segment of ODM elected leaders has taken a hardline stance on “zoning” as a key pre-election negotiation point ahead of the upcoming general elections under the Broad-Based Government arrangement.
Led by the party’s National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, they argued that in order to support William Ruto’s re-election, UDA should not field any of their candidates in regions currently controlled by ODM.
The proposed zoning aims to prevent “friendly fire” between ODM and UDA candidates in ODM’s traditional bases, ensuring the party maintains its influence, especially in the Luo Nyanza region.
Furthermore, the party is pushing for a clear zoning strategy that defends its traditional strongholds and secures independent regional control.
Wanga emphasised that any coalition agreement with UDA must include a transparent zoning formula that guarantees ODM a fair and respectable number of seats in regions where it has strong support.
“ODM will not be a “junior affiliate” to UDA and we expect a 50-50 power-sharing structure where ODM controls its traditional strongholds,” she insisted.
However, according to former Rangwe Constituency Member of Parliament Martin Ogindo, the proposal is merely meant to undermine democracy in the Luo Nyanza counties.
Ogindo argues that those championing the zoning arrangements have failed to serve those who elected them and fear competition from UDA, which continues to make inroads in the region.
“The democracy we fought for was to give every Kenyan the right to elect leaders of their choice, not to impose leaders on them,” said Ogindo.
“The call for zoning, especially in ODM’s strongholds, is aimed at killing the democracy Kenyans fought for and at forcing voters to accept non-performing ODM leaders,” he added.
According to the former ODM legislator who has defected to UDA, ODM should focus on popularising their party and stop relying solely on the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s popularity, as he is no longer with them.
He stated that democracy was meant to enable people’s will to be realised through voting for development-oriented leaders, rather than making decisions on their behalf.
Ogindo also accused some leaders within ODM of forming an oligarchy, where after acquiring wealth, they feel entitled to make decisions for others. He emphasised that people should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights and elect leaders of their own choice without interference.
Ogindo, who vied for the Homa Bay Parliamentary seat on the Green Congress of Kenya ticket in 2022 against Opondo Kaluma, currently serves as the Chairperson of the Fish Marketing Authority.
The former legislator warned that President Ruto might suffer voter apathy if the zoning arrangement is implemented, as many might see no need to participate in the scheduled August 10, 2027, general elections.
“The President needs our votes for his second term, and by forcing voters to support failed ODM leaders, many will actually abstain from participating in the elections since they will feel betrayed and see no reason to vote,” he said.
The call for a 50-50 power-sharing arrangement
ODM top leadership, led by party leader Oburu Oginga, Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo, and Wanga, among others, has demanded a 50-50 power-sharing arrangement with UDA to support President Ruto’s second-term bid.
They stated that the party will not accept a junior role in any pre-election coalition.
ODM insists on a 50 per cent split of government positions, portfolios, and influence under any formal framework with UDA.
Furthermore, they are demanding that positions be divided on a 50-50 basis in the agreement, including the Deputy President position if Ruto vies for the Presidency.
The party leaders have proposed potential running mates from within the party, such as Oburu, Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, and Wanga.
However, according to Ogindo, the demand is placing an unfair burden on the President.
The former MP explained that immediately after being sworn in, the President personally reached out to the Luo community after attending a church service in Homa Bay—an event boycotted by all elected ODM leaders from Homa Bay—but he did not seek out the Luo leaders.
“The President expressed his willingness to work with the Luo community, openly telling them that despite the competition with Raila in 2022, he was willing to accommodate them,” he said.
“The demand for a 50-50 power-sharing arrangement is not practical; it is an attempt to overburden the President with responsibilities that are not his,” he added.
Ogindo also criticised the four Luo Nyanza governors for doing little to improve development and uplift the lives of residents.
He compared this to other counties in the Central region, which he said have effectively utilised devolved funds.
“ODM has been active in the Nyanza region for the last 20 years, but little development has been visible since the promulgation of the new Constitution that introduced devolution, largely due to leadership issues,” he said.
“Searching for development projects initiated after devolution, such as in Homa Bay, is like “searching for a needle in a haystack”; there is little to show for it,” he added.
“The former Prime Minister emphasised that people should vote for the party, not merely based on qualifications or ability to deliver development. However, it is now time to let the people vote for individuals, not just the party,” he said.
“ODM is losing influence across the country; instead of focusing on development discussions, they are merely engaging in political rallies,” he claimed.
Ogindo also criticised Nyanza leaders for failing to present development projects they wish to implement, especially during presidential visits.
“When the President calls for a meeting, leaders fail to present their development priorities. After each meeting, they revert to politicking, fighting for government positions, and attacking other leaders,” he explained.
“When I served as an MP, I chaired the Assembly Budget Committee and ensured all elected leaders were engaged through meetings highlighting their priorities, which were included in the budget,” he recalled.
“Today, we see projects like Kabunde Airstrip, Mbita Rusinga Bridge, Tom Mboya University, and tarmac roads, which were proposed during our meetings and have started taking shape,” he noted.
“Since the President left the region, no meetings have been called by governors or other leaders to discuss achievements from his visit; instead, they focus solely on political rallies,” he condemned.
However, Uriri Constituency ODM Chairman Evance Ogutu responded to Ogindo, stating that he has no authority to speak on behalf of the party.
Ogutu affirmed that Raila left the party in strong and united hands with proper structures.
He acknowledged that every political party, including UDA, faces challenges, but they have their own structures to address them.
“Ogindo has no authority to speak for our party; we have officials who are authorised to handle our matters and call meetings. He is no longer a member,” he concluded.
