The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called for respect from its coalition partner, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), amid escalating tensions over zoning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement delivered by acting secretary general Catherine Omanyo following a Central Committee meeting on Thursday, ODM criticized senior UDA officials for making “unwarranted public utterances” that could create anxiety within their ranks.
“As a party committed to its principles, ideology, and foundational values, we demand respect from the UDA,” the committee emphasized.
This firm stance highlights a growing divide between the two parties, which appear to be diverging in their approaches to pre-election strategies.
The core issue revolves around ODM’s advocacy for zoning—an agreement among coalition partners to refrain from fielding competing candidates in specific regions, particularly in areas where ODM holds strong support.
UDA has categorically rejected this proposal. During a speech in Kilifi on April 4, UDA secretary general Hassan Omar dismissed the notion, asserting that every party should have the freedom to field candidates across the nation.
“ODM claims the Coast is their stronghold and should remain uncontested. I want to clarify that the Coast region belongs to its residents. They must allow us to compete fairly,” Omar stated.
“If this truly is your stronghold, why the concern? Come, campaign, and win. There should be no issue,” he added.
Despite UDA’s position, ODM leaders are resolute in their demand for zoning as an essential condition in any future dealings with President William Ruto’s party.
During a gathering in Kisumu on April 6, party chairperson Gladys Wanga asserted that zoning must be a precondition for negotiations.
“We enter these discussions as equal partners, not as a subordinate party,” Wanga declared.
Other ODM MPs echoed this sentiment, insisting they will not permit UDA to field candidates in ODM strongholds.
“There is no room for negotiation on zoning. We will not allow UDA to place candidates in Muhoroni. All our strongholds are reserved for ODM,” stated Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi.
Kisumu County woman representative Ruth Odinga added that ODM would “not sing songs of praise to anyone,” emphasizing the party’s strength and ability to field candidates across the board.
In addition to the ongoing dispute, the Central Committee revealed an ambitious mobilization strategy aimed at engaging young voters, signaling a concerted effort to reinvigorate the party’s operations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The committee announced plans for a series of youth conventions across 25 counties, beginning in Nairobi on April 20 and followed by Mombasa on April 26.
This initiative aims to “rejuvenate, revamp, and re-energize the Party,” the committee indicated.
“We must expand our identity, which resonates with the majority of Kenyans,” the party stated.
The committee also announced a suspension of activities from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3, for a joint National Executive Committee (NEC) and Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting, along with a governors’ retreat.
“We will disclose additional counties in due course,” the committee affirmed.
At the grassroots level, ODM reported that its internal elections are 98 percent complete, praising the process as peaceful, transparent, and verifiable.
The committee urged members in areas where elections remain unresolved to utilize internal dispute resolution mechanisms to finalize the process.
Additionally, the committee reassured supporters that forthcoming party nominations will be conducted fairly, emphasizing that there will be “no sacred cows” for any elective position as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
